On February 1, Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home outside Tucson, Arizona. The 84-year-old mother of US Today show host Savannah Guthrie is believed by authorities to have been taken against her will, in a case that rapidly escalated into a national and international search effort.
Reports of ransom notes heightened concern, while forensic findings and recovered surveillance footage point to deliberate interference rather than misadventure.
More than seven weeks on, Guthrie spoke publicly for the first time just days ago, describing the experience as “unbearable” and admitting she has been waking in the night thinking about what her mother may have endured. “Those thoughts demand to be thought,” she said in a tearful interview, adding simply: “She needs to come home now.” When asked about referring to her mother in the present tense, Savannah Guthrie replied simply, “She is the present tense to me.”
As investigators work to piece together what happened in the early hours of that morning, authorities have offered significant rewards for information. Despite this, there has been little meaningful movement in the case, with Guthrie’s family continuing to urge anyone with even the smallest detail to come forward.
In a video shared to Instagram on Sunday, February 15, Guthrie addressed “whoever has her or knows where she is,” issuing a direct plea.
“I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope. We still believe.”
Speaking directly to those involved, she added that it is “never too late” to do the right thing. “You’re not lost or alone. And it is never too late to do the right thing. We are here, and we believe in the essential goodness of every human being.”
Here’s what we know so far.
Who Is Nancy Guthrie?
Nancy Guthrie is the 84-year-old mother of US Today show host Savannah Guthrie.
Her disappearance in early February has prompted an international search involving the FBI and local authorities. Concern is heightened by her age and ongoing health needs, including high blood pressure and heart issues which require daily medication and a pacemaker.
Was Nancy Guthrie Kidnapped?
Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, in the early hours of February 1. She was last seen the night before, after family members dropped her home around 9pm local time.
Just before 2am, a doorbell camera at her property was disconnected and removed.
The FBI has since released surveillance images and footage showing a person appearing to tamper with a security camera at Guthrie’s front door around the time she disappeared.
The images, which were recovered after days of investigative work, were shared publicly by FBI director Kash Patel.
In the footage, a person wearing a backpack and a ski mask can be seen approaching the home.
Concern was first raised later that morning when Nancy failed to attend church, something her family and congregation said was highly unusual. After relatives contacted authorities, volunteers and federal Border Patrol officers joined the search, which continued into the following day.
Blood was later discovered on Nancy’s front porch, with DNA tests confirming it belonged to her. Investigators say she requires daily medication for high blood pressure and heart issues, adding urgency to efforts to locate her.
Was Nancy Guthrie Targeted?
There is widespread speculation about whether Nancy’s abduction was a targeted attack, with theories ranging from ideological motives to her connection to a prominent media figure in an increasingly politicised climate. However, authorities have not confirmed or substantiated any of these claims.
What Has Savannah Guthrie Said About The Incident?
Savannah Guthrie has repeatedly spoken out since her mother’s disappearance, sharing emotional video pleas on social media and asking the public for help. She has acknowledged receiving a “message” from the kidnapper and said her family is willing to pay a ransom to bring her mother home.
Sharing newly released surveillance images, Savannah wrote: “We believe she is still alive. Bring her home,” alongside contact details for the FBI and local sheriff.
In another video update, her tone was more sombre. “We are at an hour of desperation,” she said. “We believe our mum is still out there. She was taken, and we don’t know where, and we need your help.”
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