By Clara Wilson
The investigation into the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother has taken a grim turn in Arizona. Authorities have officially reclassified the Nancy Guthrie missing person case as a criminal investigation. As of Monday, February 2, 2026, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has designated her Tucson residence as an active crime scene. Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that investigators found signs of disarray inside the home. Consequently, officials have halted the ground search to focus exclusively on processing evidence within the residence.
Investigation Shifts to Criminal Matter
The status of the case changed dramatically on Monday morning. Initially, deputies treated the situation as a standard welfare check. However, the discovery of specific evidence inside the home escalated the response.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the media regarding the shift. He stated that his deputies encountered “concerning things” upon entering the property. The interior of the home showed clear signs of disarray.
These findings prompted “grave concern” among law enforcement officials. Sheriff Nanos was blunt in his assessment of the situation. He told reporters, “We know she didn’t just walk out of there.”
This statement rules out the possibility that the 84-year-old simply wandered away. Investigators now believe that a criminal act occurred within the residence. They have taped off the house and the surrounding property.
Forensic technicians are currently combing through the home. They are looking for fingerprints, DNA, and any trace evidence that could explain what happened. This meticulous process requires time and precision.
Signs of Disarray in the Catalina Foothills
The location of the disappearance adds to the mystery. Nancy Guthrie lives in the Catalina Foothills, an upscale neighborhood north of Tucson. Her home is near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue.
The area is typically quiet and safe. However, the “disarray” found inside suggests a disturbance occurred. Police have not detailed the specific nature of the mess to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Detectives are trying to piece together a timeline. Nancy was last seen on the evening of January 31. Someone reported her missing at noon the following day.
The gap between Saturday night and Sunday afternoon is the primary focus for investigators. Detectives need to know who visited the house during those hours. They are interviewing neighbors and household staff.
Sheriff Nanos noted that Nancy lives alone but employs staff to assist her. Investigators will likely vet anyone who had access to the property. Currently, police say they have no evidence suggesting she was targeted due to her daughter’s fame.
Search Suspended to Focus on Evidence
In a surprising strategic move, authorities “shut down” the active ground search on Monday. This decision does not mean they have given up hope. Instead, it reflects the change in the investigation’s nature.
Sheriff Nanos explained that this is no longer a search mission. It is now a criminal probe centered on the residence. Sending search parties into the desert makes little sense if the evidence points to an incident inside the house.
Previously, the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection assisted with aerial searches. Those assets have stood down for now. The focus remains strictly on the physical evidence at the scene.
Authorities emphasized Nancy’s physical limitations. She has significant mobility challenges. Sheriff Nanos remarked that she could not walk even 50 yards on her own.
This physical reality supports the theory that she did not leave on foot. Someone likely transported her from the location. Investigators are looking for tire tracks or vehicle descriptions that look out of place.
Medical Urgency Remains High
Time is running out regarding Nancy’s health. While cognitively sharp, her physical condition is fragile. She requires daily medication to survive.
authorities reiterated the danger of missing these doses. Going without her medication for more than 24 hours could be fatal. That 24-hour window passed on Sunday night.
The medical urgency adds immense pressure on the detectives. They must find answers quickly to ensure her safety. Every hour that passes decreases the likelihood of a positive medical outcome.
Family members provided detailed medical history to the police. This information guides the urgency of the response. It clarifies that this is a life-or-death situation regardless of the criminal element.
Savannah Guthrie Returns to Arizona
The personal impact of the Nancy Guthrie missing case is evident on the national stage. Savannah Guthrie was absent from the TODAY show on Monday morning.
Her colleagues opened the broadcast with an emotional tribute. Hoda Kotb informed viewers that Savannah had rushed to Arizona. She is currently with her family in Tucson as they await news.
Savannah released a new statement through the network on Monday. She expressed gratitude for the public’s support. “We thank the public for their prayers,” the statement read.
She emphasized that the family’s focus remains entirely on the safe return of their mother. The presence of the high-profile anchor has brought national attention to the case. However, the family asks for privacy during this traumatic time.
Public Urged to Check Surveillance
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department needs the public’s help. Solving this crime requires community participation. Residents in the Catalina Foothills hold the key to the timeline.
Detectives are specifically asking homeowners to check security cameras. They need footage from the night of January 31 and the morning of February 1.
Any suspicious activity near East Skyline Drive is relevant. Vehicles entering or leaving the neighborhood at odd hours could be critical clues. Even a small detail could break the case open.
Police urge residents not to dismiss anything as unimportant. Let the investigators decide what matters. The smallest piece of video evidence could identify a suspect vehicle.
How to Contact Authorities
The investigation is active and fluid. The Sheriff’s Department has dedicated resources to this case. They are working around the clock to find Nancy.
Anyone with information should contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department immediately. The direct line for tips is 520-351-4900.
If you see something urgent or have immediate information about her whereabouts, call 911. Do not approach any potential suspects yourself.
wfbnews.com will continue to monitor the Nancy Guthrie missing investigation. We will provide updates on the crime scene processing and any suspect information released by the Sheriff.
