‘Crime Committed’ in Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Elderly Mother

Arizona investigators say they are now treating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Todayshow anchor Savannah Guthrie, as a criminal case.

Sheriff officials confirmed Monday that evidence found inside Guthrie’s home points to foul play.

“This is a crime,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said during a press briefing. “She did not leave on her own. We know that.”

Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday evening around 9:30 p.m. at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue, just north of Tucson, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

A family member reported her missing shortly after noon on Sunday.

What deputies found at the home immediately raised alarms.

“We don’t usually bring the sheriff to scenes like this,” Nanos said. “But what we saw inside the house was deeply concerning.”

By Monday morning, investigators had officially reclassified the residence as a crime scene.

Detectives from the department’s homicide unit were called in to process evidence.

“After processing the house, we believe a crime occurred,” Nanos said. “This is no longer a search-and-rescue mission.”

The sheriff confirmed that while Nancy Guthrie is mentally sharp, she suffers from physical conditions that significantly limit her mobility.

“That makes this even more urgent,” he added.

Authorities initially launched an extensive search using helicopters, drones, and infrared cameras.

Customs and Border Protection was also asked to assist.

However, officials say the focus has now shifted from searching the desert to building a criminal case.

“We don’t see this as someone who wandered off,” Nanos said. “We see this as something much more serious.”

Savannah Guthrie addressed the situation in a statement read Monday on Today.

“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support,” Guthrie said. “Our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”

She also urged anyone with information to contact authorities.

No arrests have been announced.

Investigators have not publicly identified suspects or a possible motive.

The sheriff’s office says tips from the public could be critical.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.

“This is a very active investigation,” Nanos said. “We’re throwing everything we have at it.”