The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has moved into its fifth day. Authorities in Pima County, Arizona, now officially classify the case as a criminal investigation involving a possible kidnapping or abduction.
As of February 5, 2026, the FBI has joined the search, and a high-stakes investigation is unfolding in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson.
Chronological Timeline of Events
Lawmakers and investigators have reconstructed a chilling timeline using digital footprints and family testimony:
Saturday, January 31
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5:32 PM: Nancy leaves her home to join family members for dinner and an evening of games.
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9:45 PM – 9:50 PM: Family drops Nancy back at her residence. Digital logs show her garage door opening at 9:48 PM and closing at 9:50 PM. This is the last confirmed time she was seen.
Sunday, February 1
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1:47 AM: Nancy’s doorbell security camera is disconnected or disabled.
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2:12 AM: Camera software detects a person at the residence, but no video footage is available due to the previous disconnect.
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2:28 AM: Nancy’s pacemaker app records a disconnect from her phone, suggesting a disruption or that the devices were separated.
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11:00 AM: Family and friends become concerned when Nancy fails to show up for her Sunday morning church service.
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12:03 PM: After a brief search of the property, the family calls 911.
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12:15 PM: Pima County Sheriff’s deputies arrive and begin processing the home as a crime scene.
Critical Investigation Updates
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and federal agents have released several key details regarding the state of the investigation:
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Evidence of Foul Play: Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that blood droplets were found near the front entryway and pathway of the home. DNA testing has confirmed the blood belongs to Nancy.
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Ransom Notes: Multiple media outlets, including KOLD-TV and TMZ, report receiving alleged ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin. Authorities are reviewing these letters but have not publicly verified their authenticity.
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FBI Involvement & Reward: The FBI has taken a lead role, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or the conviction of those involved. They also recently arrested an “imposter” who attempted to send a fraudulent ransom demand.
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Medical Urgency: Nancy is described as having limited mobility and requiring daily heart medication. The Sheriff has stressed that the “clock is ticking” for her health needs.
The Family’s Public Plea
On February 4, Savannah Guthrie, alongside her siblings Annie and Camron, released an emotional video statement addressed directly to potential captors.
“We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.” — Savannah Guthrie
Savannah has stepped away from her duties at NBC, including the coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, to remain with her family in Arizona. President Trump has also reportedly called the Guthrie family to offer additional federal resources to assist in the recovery.
Current Status
As of Thursday afternoon, February 5, there are no official suspects or persons of interest. While online rumors have circulated regarding family members, Sheriff Nanos has explicitly stated that they are following all leads and have not identified a specific individual responsible.
Final Word
Staying informed on the search for Nancy Guthrie isn’t just about following a headline—it plays a powerful role in your understanding of modern investigative techniques and community vigilance. When you look past the rumors and focus on the forensic data—from the pacemaker logs to the FBI’s reward criteria—you gain a clearer picture of the systematic efforts being made to bring a missing citizen home.
Quality information replaces the noise of online speculation with the clarity of verified police briefings. It allows you to see this investigation as more than just a media event, but as a critical test of law enforcement coordination in the face of complex digital and physical challenges. By choosing to follow the facts provided by authorities rather than the conjecture of social media, you align your perspective with the realities of the search and support a more informed, resilient public consciousness.
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