What we know about the abduction of Savannah Guthrie's mother

February 5, 2026

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC news anchor Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Tucson home on Saturday night after relatives dropped her off around 9:30 PM. Church members reported her missing the following morning when she failed to appear at services, prompting an extensive search involving local authorities, federal Border Patrol agents, and volunteers. Law enforcement discovered what they described as a "grave concern" at her residence, which they have designated a crime scene, and believe she was forcibly taken from her home.

Who is affected

Nancy Guthrie (84-year-old victim)
Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings (family members)
Nancy Guthrie's church community members
Pima County Sheriff's office investigators and volunteers
Federal law enforcement officers (FBI and Border Patrol)
NBC and the Today show staff

What action is being taken

Authorities are conducting a search for Nancy Guthrie
Sheriff Chris Nanos and his team are working around the clock on the investigation
The FBI is working to authenticate the ransom note
Federal law enforcement (Border Patrol and FBI) are assisting in the investigation
Evidence from the home is being analyzed in laboratories
The sheriff's office is investigating all leads from the public

Why it matters

This case matters because it involves the suspected abduction of an elderly woman in fragile health who requires constant medication to survive and manage pain. The presence of a ransom note and the designation of her home as a crime scene suggest a potentially serious criminal act, possibly targeted due to her daughter's high-profile position as a national news anchor. The involvement of federal law enforcement and direct intervention by the President underscores the case's significance and urgency.

What's next

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have stated they are ready to talk with the suspected abductor(s)
The family is requesting proof of life from whoever may have taken Nancy Guthrie
Authorities continue to urge the public to call with any information

Read full article from source: BBC