By Clara Wilson
The search for the 84-year-old mother of TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has taken a dark turn. On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, authorities revealed that investigators discovered blood inside her Arizona residence. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department officially transitioned the search into a Nancy Guthrie abduction investigation following the forensic find. Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that DNA testing linked the blood found at the scene directly to the missing woman. Law enforcement officials also reported clear signs of forced entry at the home. These developments have shifted the mission from a missing person search to a high-priority criminal case. Homicide detectives are now leading the effort to locate her and identify potential suspects.
The residence is located in the Catalina Foothills, an affluent area just north of Tucson. This neighborhood is typically known for its low crime rates and quiet atmosphere. However, the presence of forensic teams has unsettled the local community. Law enforcement cordoned off the property over the weekend to preserve the integrity of the scene. Consequently, the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have joined the local authorities to provide technical support. The federal agencies are currently analyzing cell tower data to track any unusual electronic signatures in the area.
Timeline of the Disappearance in Catalina Foothills
The events leading to the Nancy Guthrie abduction investigation began on Saturday night, January 31. Family members had dinner with Nancy and dropped her off at her home around 9:45 p.m. She appeared to be in good spirits and was ready to retire for the evening. The following morning, Nancy failed to appear for her regular Sunday church service. A concerned member of the congregation called her family at approximately 11:00 a.m. to check on her well-being. This initial call sparked immediate concern among her relatives, who knew she rarely missed a service.
Family members arrived at the Catalina Foothills property shortly after noon on Sunday. They searched the house and the surrounding grounds for nearly an hour. During this time, they noticed several “concerning circumstances” inside the home. They officially contacted 911 at 12:15 p.m. to report her missing. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department arrived within minutes to secure the location. By Monday morning, the case had escalated significantly as the lack of communication continued. The discovery of blood and signs of a struggle forced a change in investigative tactics.
Forensic Teams Confirm Blood Matches Missing Woman
Sheriff Nanos provided a detailed update during a news conference on Tuesday afternoon. He stated that the amount of blood found was relatively small but significant. Forensic experts worked through the night to process the samples at a state laboratory. The results confirmed a perfect match with Nancy Guthrie’s DNA profile. This physical evidence supports the theory that she was taken against her will. Additionally, the Sheriff confirmed that a struggle likely took place in the bedroom area.
The signs of forced entry suggest that the abduction occurred in the middle of the night. Investigators believe the suspect or suspects entered while Nancy was likely sleeping. There were no immediate reports of stolen property or ransacked rooms. This has led detectives to believe the primary goal was the removal of the victim herself. Homicide detectives are now re-interviewing neighbors to see if anyone heard glass breaking or vehicles idling. The forensic team continues to search the home for fingerprints or foreign DNA that does not belong to the family.
A Race Against Time for Vital Medical Needs
The Nancy Guthrie abduction investigation is currently described by officials as a “race against time.” Nancy suffers from several health conditions that require daily, specialized medication. Doctors have informed the Sheriff’s Department that missing these doses could be fatal. The critical window for her survival is estimated to be between 24 and 48 hours. As of Tuesday afternoon, she has been without her prescriptions for over two days. This medical urgency has increased the intensity of the search efforts across Arizona.
Sheriff Nanos emphasized that finding Nancy is the department’s absolute priority. He noted that her limited mobility would make it impossible for her to have left the area on her own. Because she cannot walk long distances, the theory of a vehicle-assisted abduction is the primary focus. Authorities are checking local pharmacies to see if anyone has attempted to fill her prescriptions. They are also reaching out to hospitals in the Tucson and Phoenix areas. Every minute that passes increases the risk to her physical health and safety.
Federal Assistance and Technical Resource Deployment
The involvement of federal agencies marks a significant escalation in the Nancy Guthrie abduction investigation. The FBI is providing specialized profilers to assist with the criminal aspects of the case. Meanwhile, U.S. Customs and Border Protection is utilizing aerial assets to scan the desert landscape. These agencies are working together to monitor transit corridors and border crossings. The technical teams are also reviewing “ping” data from local cell towers. They hope to find a mobile device that was active near the home during the suspected time of the abduction.
The use of advanced technology is essential in the rugged terrain surrounding the Catalina Foothills. The area features many deep canyons and hidden trails that are difficult to search on foot. Thermal imaging cameras are being used at night to detect heat signatures in the desert. Despite these high-tech efforts, no significant leads have been made public yet. The Sheriff’s Department remains the lead agency, but the federal support is crucial for data processing. The investigation is now a multi-jurisdictional effort involving hundreds of personnel.
Savannah Guthrie Responds to Ongoing Investigation
Savannah Guthrie has been absent from her role on the TODAY show since Monday morning. She traveled to Arizona immediately to be with her family and assist with the search. On Tuesday, she released a brief statement through a family spokesperson. She thanked the public for the overwhelming “outpouring of prayers and support” during this crisis. Savannah emphasized that the family is focused entirely on the safe return of their mother. She has remained in close contact with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department throughout the process.
The family is also offering a reward to encourage the public to come forward. A $2,500 reward is currently active for any information that leads to an arrest in the case. This incentive is aimed at individuals who may have seen something suspicious but are hesitant to speak. The Guthrie family remains hopeful that Nancy is still alive and being held somewhere nearby. They are urging anyone with surveillance footage from the Catalina Foothills to review it immediately.
Public Appeal and Anonymous Tip Information
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s continued help. They are specifically interested in any video recorded between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Residents with doorbell cameras or dashcams are encouraged to share their files with detectives. Any unusual vehicle activity in the Fordham Manor or Catalina Foothills area is of high interest. The department has set up multiple ways for the public to provide information.
If you have information regarding the Nancy Guthrie abduction investigation, please call the Sheriff’s Department. The direct lines are (520) 351-4900 or (520) 882-7463. For those who wish to remain anonymous, tips can be submitted through 88-CRIME. This service allows citizens to provide leads without revealing their identity. Law enforcement officials reiterate that no detail is too small to be investigated. The community is encouraged to remain vigilant as the search continues across the region.
