Investigators searching for “Today” co‑host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, said Wednesday they have not identified a suspect or person of interest in the Arizona case, which officials are treating as a crime.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department posted the update as the search continues for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing Sunday. “Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie,” the department said in the statement.
Authorities believe Guthrie was taken from her Tucson home over the weekend. A law enforcement source told CBS News a “little bit of blood” found inside the home was being tested. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said evidence collected so far has not pointed to a suspect and that investigators do not yet know how many people may have been involved. “Nothing has come up that says, here he is, here’s your bad guy,” Nanos told CBS News. “We’re working towards, where is Nancy? Where is Ms. Guthrie? We want to find her. That’s what everybody wants. Once we do that, then we can worry about the whodunit.”
CBS News reported the FBI is sending additional personnel to assist the investigation. Authorities continue to ask the public for help; Fabian Pacheco, chief of detectives for the Pima County Attorney’s Office, who oversees a tip line, told CBS News “[i]t only takes one tip, just one, to break this open, to offer the lead that we so desperately need in this case.”
Guthrie’s family called police Sunday after they went to her home when she missed church that morning. Nanos said a ransom note was sent Monday to a local Arizona news station; the sheriff would not confirm details but said the note contained specific information about the home and what Guthrie was wearing, and investigators are taking the note seriously. CBS affiliate KOLD‑TV reported it received an email that “appears to be one of the alleged ransom notes” and forwarded it to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators are also examining home security recordings. Nanos said Guthrie’s system may have been set to automatically delete footage after a short period; officials are attempting forensic recovery. A Google spokesperson said the company, which acquired Nest, is assisting law enforcement but could not provide further details.
Nanos said Nancy Guthrie ate dinner Saturday at the home of her daughter Annie Guthrie and was driven home afterward by her husband, Tommaso Cioni. Local reporting and statements from officials indicate Annie was the last known person to see her mother before the disappearance. Nanos dismissed the idea that Guthrie — who lives alone and has limited mobility — wandered off, saying she does not have cognitive issues. Investigators have not determined whether she was targeted or whether the abduction was random.
President Trump posted on Truth Social that he had spoken with Savannah Guthrie and directed “ALL Federal Law Enforcement” to assist local authorities, saying federal resources were being deployed to bring Nancy Guthrie home.
Nancy Guthrie has three children — Annie, Savannah and Camron Guthrie. The siblings released an emotional video Wednesday pleading for their mother’s return and urging anyone holding her to prove she is alive. “However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her,” Savannah Guthrie said. “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”
Investigators are following hundreds of leads. Officials have emphasized the urgency of locating Guthrie because she requires daily medication; Savannah Guthrie said her mother’s health is fragile and that she needs medicine “to survive” and avoid suffering.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reiterated that sharing unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and can hinder the investigation. Officials continue to ask anyone with information to contact law enforcement.