FBI agents and investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie’s home in Arizona with canine units on a renewed search for clues as the disappearance of the mother of TODAY’s Savannah Guthrie stretched into a fifth day.
The activity at Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson on Feb. 4 was notable because a day earlier, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at a press conference that police had completed their search of the property.
Authorities are also looking into what appears to be blood found outside the home, two senior officials briefed on the investigation told NBC News.
Those officials also said Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker appears to have disconnected from its monitoring app in the early morning hours of Feb. 1 — the day she was reported missing.
Investigators emphasized on Feb. 4 that they have not identified a suspect or person of interest in Guthrie’s disappearance, calling the sharing of unverified accusations and false information “irresponsible” as they continue the search.
Nanos released a statement on Facebook regarding unfounded allegations surrounding the case.
“At this point, investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case,” the department wrote. “Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie.”
“Detectives are working closely with the Guthrie family,” his statement continued. “While we appreciate the public’s concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation. No suspect or person of interest has been identified at this time.”
Law enforcement officials believe the 84-year-old mother of the TODAY co-anchor was taken from her home against her will in a “possible kidnapping or abduction” before her family reported her missing from her Arizona residence the following day.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of Jan. 31 at her home outside Tucson and was reported missing at noon on Feb. 1 by her family, police said.
“We believe she was taken out of the home against her will, and that’s how this investigation is moving,” Nanos said on NBC Nightly News on Feb. 2.
President Trump Has Directed Federal Resources to Assist in the Search
President Donald Trump shared on Feb. 4 that he spoke with Savannah on the phone and is assigning more resources to assist in the search.
“I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY,” he wrote on Truth Social. “We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely.”
Reports of Ransom Notes
Late Feb. 3, the Pima County Sheriff acknowledged reports of ransom notes that were sent to news organizations referencing Nancy Guthrie. NBC News has not seen the notes and so far no law enforcement agency has substantiated that they came from anyone involved in Nancy Guthrie’s abduction. Law enforcement sources, however, say they are investigating them.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement posted on X, “We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie.”
The office added that they are “taking all tips and leads very seriously” and anything that they receive is shared with their detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.
Jon Edwards, the assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Tucson office, said at the press conference Feb. 3 that the bureau is assisting on the case by downloading and analyzing cell phone data and cell phone tower information, conducting interviews and providing investigative support. Anyone with tips can contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
What Savannah Guthrie Has Shared Since Her Mother’s Disappearance
Savannah, whom the sheriff said is in Arizona, shared a video late Feb. 4 on Instagram alongside her siblings with a plea for the safe return of their mother.
“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman, you are God’s precious daughter,” Savannah said. “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.”
Savannah’s first statement came the morning of Feb. 2.
“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support,” she said. “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. 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.”
She also shared an Instagram post late Feb. 2 in which she asked for people to pray for her mother’s return.
Police Detail DNA Evidence in Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
In a press conference on Tuesday, Feb. 3, Nanos shared the update that DNA samples taken from Nancy Guthrie’s home have not resulted in anything “indicating the suspect.” He also noted that police have processed the evidence found there.
“The scene is done,” he said. “We’re done with the residence.”
Investigators are looking into what appears to be blood found outside the home of Nancy Guthrie, two senior officials briefed on the investigation told NBC News late Feb. 4.
Nanos did not have any information on what type of clothing Nancy Guthrie may have been wearing at the time of a potential abduction or if she is still in the Tucson area.
“We don’t know where she is,” he said.
What Officials Have Said About Nancy Guthrie’s Health
Nancy Guthrie does not have cognitive issues, Nanos said at a Feb. 2 press briefing, but has physical challenges and is in need of medication that can be fatal if not received within 24 hours.
“She is very limited in her mobility. We know she didn’t just walk out of there,” Nanos said. “There were other things at the scene that indicate that she did not leave on her own.”
Nanos added that Guthrie “could not walk 50 yards by herself.”
Two senior officials briefed on the investigation told NBC News late Feb. 4 that Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker appears to have disconnected from its monitoring app in the early morning hours on Feb. 1.
Other Details Police Have Released About Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie’s family told police they were alerted to her disappearance when they received a call from someone at their local church saying she was not there. The family then went to her house and searched for her before calling police.
Authorities are in possession of Nancy Guthrie’s cell phone, according to Nanos. She lives alone and had house staff, some of whom have been in touch with law enforcement, according to the sheriff.
Police do not know if Nancy Guthrie was targeted because she is Savannah’s mother and are not aware of threats aimed at Savannah after speaking with her, Nanos said.
Nanos added that he does not believe the public is in any danger.
Nancy Guthrie is described as 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. Her family last saw her at home around 9:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 31, Nanos said.
Officials had been searching using drones, a helicopter, an airplane, search-and-rescue dogs and volunteers before the search was called off on Feb. 2 due to police viewing her disappearance as a crime investigation.
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