Savannah Guthrie’s family faced an unimaginable situation when they learned that their matriarch, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing in Arizona in February 2026. As police have become involved in the investigation and the case has unraveled, many people are curious about the timeline of events that went down before and after Nancy disappeared.
“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” a statement from Savannah read during the February 2, 2026, episode of Today. “We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.”
As the search for Nancy continued, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos exclusively told Us that authorities didn’t want “anybody to lose hope.” He continued, “But in the same sense, just as there’s hope, there’s also things that point to us that say, ‘This lady’s in danger.’”
Us breaks down the timeline of Nancy’s disappearance as her family, loved ones and police officers continue to look for her.
Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Nancy Guthrie Is Missing in Arizona: What to Know
Nancy Guthrie’s Neighbor Saw Her 1 Day Before She Went Missing
Nancy was last seen on January 31, 2026, according to a missing person poster shared by the Pima County Sheriff’s Office.
One of Nancy’s neighbors spoke to Us Weekly in light of her disappearance, revealing that she saw her one day before she went missing.
“Nancy is a longtime neighbor and dear friend and we are all worried about her,” the neighbor said. “We live on the same street. [We are] in complete shock and very concerned.”
She continued, “I just saw her two days ago [on Saturday] checking her mail. She was always smiling and always asking about our family and neighbors. She was very engaged with the community. … It’s very concerning.”
Nancy Guthrie’s Daughter Was the Last Person to See Her
Nanos told Us that Savannah’s sister, Annie Guthrie, was the last person to see Nancy before she disappeared.
“We have a start point,” Nanos said. “The family took her home from dinner at about 9:30 to 9:45 [p.m.]” on Saturday, January 31.
He added, “So we would back that up to even say 9 or 8:30 p.m. to start looking.”
Nanos also said that Annie didn’t raise any “red flags” about her mother’s behavior when they last saw each other.
Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Missed Church
Suspicions about Nancy’s whereabouts began when she didn’t show up to church on February 1, 2026.
After one of her friends noticed she wasn’t at the service, she called one of Nancy’s children to express her concern. In addition to Savannah and Annie, Nancy shared son Camron with her late husband, Charles, who died from a heart attack at the age of 49.
Savannah Guthrie’s Mom’s Friend Went to Check On Her at Her Home
After the friend called one of Nancy’s kids, she went to her home to see if she was there. During a press conference on February 2, 2026, Nanos said that the friend “did some searching and realized, ‘We need some help,’ and they called 911.”
Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Appeared on ‘Today’ 2 Months Before She Went Missing
Police Treated Nancy Guthrie’s Home Like a Crime Scene
Police went to Nancy’s home after she was reported missing.
“There were a lot of dark vans with blacked out windows,” Morgan Brown, who lives “a quarter of a mile up the street” from Nancy, told Us Weekly on February 2. “There were a lot of cop cars there at first, and then it was vans, so I assumed that maybe they came across something.”
Brown added that those who live in the area were told to “look at our Ring cameras to see if anything popped up out of the ordinary.” He then claimed that authorities believed she went missing some time between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. local time on February 1, 2026.
“I don’t know how they know that,” Brown said. “My Ring cameras don’t face the street, but I went through them and haven’t heard that anyone found anything.”
Police Issued a Statement About Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
In a statement shared on February 1, Nanos called the situation “very concerning.” He added that authorities aren’t ruling out foul play just yet.
Nanos went on to say that there were “some concerns” about what authorities found at Nancy’s home, which led them to call in search and rescue and criminal investigation teams. Additionally, volunteers stepped up amid the search, while drones, dogs and a helicopter were also deployed.
“We’ve pretty much just thrown everything at this that we can,” Nanos said. “[Nancy] is 84 years old and is not of good physical health, and so naturally that’s a great concern.”
Nanos did say that Nancy has a “sound mind,” though there are limitations to her physical mobility. “We’ll be at this all night, processing the house,” he said.
Savannah Guthrie’s Family Is Cleared of Potential Involvement
Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed on February 17, 2026, that Savannah Guthrie and her relatives were cleared of any potential involvement within the “first few days” of the police investigation.
Police Held Press Conference in Light of Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
On February 1, Nanos spoke at a press conference regarding Nancy’s disappearance.
“I need this community to step up and start giving us some calls,” Nanos said.
He also reiterated that Nancy is mentally stable. “This is not dementia related. She’s as sharp as a tack. The family wants everyone to know that this isn’t someone who just wandered off,” Nanos said, adding that she needs her daily medication.
How ‘Today’ Anchor Savannah Guthrie’s Family Found Out Mom Was Missing
Savannah Guthrie Missed ‘Today’ Amid Her Mom’s Disappearance
The Guthrie family confirmed that Nancy was missing while issuing a statement to NBC News on February 2. “We can confirm this is a missing persons case, and the family is working closely with local law enforcement,” the family said, adding that they are grateful for “the outreach, thoughts and prayers” they received.
Later that day, Savannah missed the February 2 episode of Today. In addition to issuing her own statement about the situation, several of her coanchors shared insight into what was going on.
Pima County Sheriff Reveals How Nancy Guthrie’s Family Is Doing Amid Her Disappearance
“As you can imagine, this is tough on all of them,” Nanos told Us when asked how the family is holding up on February 2. “They’re leaning on each other. They’re very cooperative with us and everything we’re doing. They’re involved and engaged. It is tough, there’s no doubt.”
Nanos also shared that “something unusual” happened at Nancy’s house “that made us go, ‘Wow, something’s wrong here. Something doesn’t fit.’”
“We’re gonna pull all the stops and go at all angles. We really do hope it’s a search-and-rescue mission and we find her and she’s safe and sound,” he said. “But it would be unjust if we didn’t look at what’s in front of us and go, ‘We need to act.’”
“This is an 84-year-old lady who is safe in her own home asleep, and she is taken,” Nanos continued. “And that should never happen.”
Police Offer Reward Amid Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department took to Facebook on February 2 to share that they were offering a $2,500 reward to anyone with credible information in regards to Nancy’s disappearance.
“Reward up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons involved in the disappearance,” a statement read. “The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is seeking the public’s assistance with any information related to the disappearance of Mrs. Nancy Guthrie. She was last seen at her home near Skyline and Campbell around 9:30 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2026.”
The department continued, “Any video and photograph information is strongly requested for evaluation and analysis of evidentiary value.”
Police Share If There’s a Motive in Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance Disappearance Case
While speaking to Us, Nanos revealed if police believed Nancy was being held on ransom.
“No, there’s not, we’ve not heard anything like that,” he said when asked if there was a known motive. “I wish somebody would call us and say, ‘Hey,’ because that’s what the family wants. They just want her back. ‘Hey, no questions asked, call us where to come and get her, and we’ll do that.”
After he noted that he would “never rule out” any possibilities, he said there was “nothing to indicate” a demand for ransom money.
Nancy Guthrie’s Home Was Re-Taped as a Crime Scene Amid Trespassing Update
News Nation’s Brian Entin reported on February 4, that “investigators are putting crime scene tape back up” at Nancy Gurthie’s home as K9s joined the investigation. The same day, Pima County Sheriff’s Department told Us that authorities “received a report of a possible trespassing” near Nancy’s home, which is currently being reviewed as are “all other cases within a close radius.” Law enforcement is also “working in conjunction with the FBI.”
Savannah Guthrie and Family Address Ransom Note Claims
Savannah, Annie and Camron Guthrie appeared in a February 4 Instagram video and addressed the alleged ransom note that was reported by multiple outlets.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Savannah said in the clip. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. 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. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”
The Today cohost continued, “Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you. Everyone is looking for you mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment. And we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance that the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you mom.”
FBI Releases 1st Photos and Videos of Potential Suspect
The FBI released the first black-and-white photos and videos of a potential suspect on February 10, with a person seen standing outside of Nancy’s home. In one image, the person appeared to have an object that appeared to be a gun in the waistband.
Savannah reshared both the photos and a video via her Instagram alongside statements that read, “We believe she is still alive. Bring her home. Anyone with information, please contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department 520-351-4900.”
A separate statement read, “Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home. Anyone with information, please contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department 520-351-4900.”
Police Detain Person for Questioning and Launch Rio Rico Search
Authorities detained an individual in connection to the case, with Sheriff Chris Nanos announcing the development via an X post on February 10. “Earier today, Pima County Sheriff’s Department deputies detained a subject during a traffic stop south of Tucson,” the post read. “The subject is currently being questioned in connection to the Nancy Guthrie investigation. Additional information will be released as it becomes available.”
Hours later, a location in Rio Rico, Arizona, was the subject of a “court-authorized search” in relation to the investigation. The sheriff’s office shared a statement with Us at the time, confirming that the operation was “expected to last several hours.”
Rio Rico is about 60 miles south of the Catalina Foothills, where Nancy resides.
New Note Asks for Payment in Exchange for Information on Nancy’s Abduction
TMZ reported on February 11 that they allegedly received a note asking for payment in exchange for information on the person who may have abducted Nancy. The sender claimed they tried to get in touch with Savannah and her siblings first.
“If they want the name of the individual involved then I want 1 Bitcoin to the following wallet. Time is more than relevant,” the alleged message read.
The following day, TMZ reported that a second note was received. The message read, “I am not being taken seriously.”
TMZ described the note as “ominous.”
Arizona Sheriff Allegedly Blocks FBI From Key Evidence
Reuters reported on February 12 that the sheriff’s department blocked the FBI from accessing physical evidence, which was sent to a lab in Florida instead of the bureau’s crime lab in Virginia.
Sheriff Chris Nanos denied the accusations in an interview with KVOA.
“Actually, the FBI just wanted to send the one or two they found by the crime scene, closest to it — mile, mile and a half,” he said. “I said ‘No, why do that? Let’s just send them all to where all the DNA exist, all the profiles and the markers exist.’ They agreed [that it] makes sense. When this is all done with, offer your critiques all you want, but right now we have work to do.”
Backpack Discovered by Search Party Is Not Related to Nancy Guthrie Case
A group of volunteers who searched a road near Nancy Guthrie’s home found a black backpack, which was quickly handed over to authorities, according to multiple reports. Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed via the Today show on February 23 that the backpack is not the one authorities have been looking for in connection to the masked individual shown in surveillance footage outside Nancy’s home.
Was Nancy’s Home Visited by Masked Subject Before Her Abduction?
On February 23, a report from ABC News stated that the surveillance photos of the masked person outside Nancy Guthrie’s home are from the day before her alleged abduction. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department called this claim “speculative” in a statement.
“Suspect Image: We are aware that doorbell images released earlier in the investigation depict a suspect in different stages of attire, including with and without a backpack,” the statement read. “There is no date or time stamp associated with these images. Therefore, any suggestion that the photographs were taken on different days is purely speculative.”
The statement added that Guthrie’s case remains an “active and ongoing criminal investigation,” and “as with any investigation, conclusions will be guided by verifiable evidence and established facts. Speculation, without factual support, does not advance the investigative process.”
Savannah Guthrie Shares New Message About Mom Nancy Guthrie
On February 24, Savannah Guthrie made another plea to bring mom Nancy Guthrie home as the case entered its fourth week.
“Someone knows how to find our mom and bring her home,” she captioned a video shared via Instagram. She also shared the phone number for the FBI’s tip line, noting that callers “can remain anonymous” or “find a way to reach out to me.”
The family’s reward for Nancy’s return was also raised to $1 million. It will be paid “only for the recovery” of Nancy.
“Coming on to say it is day 24 since our mom was taken in the dark of night from her bed, and every hour and minute and second and every long night has been agony since then, of worrying about her and fearing for her, aching for her, and most of all, just missing her, missing her,” Savannah said in the video. “We know that millions of you have been praying. So many people have been praying of every faith and no faith at all, praying for her return, and we feel those prayers. Please keep praying without ceasing. We still believe. We still believe in a miracle.”
