Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother ‘Is Still Out There,’ Sheriff Says/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Arizona investigators say they believe the missing mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive. Sheriff officials confirmed blood found at the home belongs to Nancy Guthrie but say there are no suspects. The family has issued an emotional plea seeking proof of life amid reports of ransom notes.
Savannah Guthrie Mother Missing: Quick Looks
- Sheriff says Nancy Guthrie is believed to still be alive
- No suspects identified five days after disappearance
- Blood found at her home confirmed as Nancy Guthrie’s DNA
- Family requests proof of life before any communication
- Reports emerge of alleged ransom notes sent to media
- Search hampered by rugged desert terrain near Tucson
- Vigils held as community and nation pray for her return
Deep Look: Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother ‘is Still Out There,’ Sheriff Says
TUCSON, Ariz. — Authorities searching for the missing mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie say they believe she is still alive, even as the investigation enters its fifth day with no suspects identified.
Chris Nanos, the sheriff of Pima County, told reporters Thursday that investigators are continuing to pursue all leads in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, who vanished from her Tucson home over the weekend.
“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there,” Nanos said during a news conference. “We want her home.”
Sheriff officials also confirmed that DNA testing shows blood found on Nancy Guthrie’s porch belongs to her, reinforcing investigators’ belief that she was taken from her home against her will.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen Saturday night after being dropped off at her residence by family members following a dinner together. She was reported missing roughly 14 hours later when she failed to appear at church on Sunday morning.
Authorities say Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and several health conditions, including heart issues and a pacemaker, making it unlikely she left voluntarily. Dispatch audio released during the initial search indicated concerns about her medical needs.
The search area surrounding her home includes rugged desert terrain filled with dense brush, mesquite trees and cactus, which officials say has complicated efforts to locate her. Search-and-rescue experts note that visibility in such environments is limited and access can be extremely difficult.
As investigators continue their work, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional video plea Wednesday directed at whoever may be holding their mother. Reading from a prepared statement, Guthrie said the family is willing to communicate but needs verification that Nancy Guthrie is alive.
“We are ready to talk,” she said. “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.”
Guthrie’s appeal came amid media reports that several news organizations had received purported ransom notes, which were turned over to law enforcement. The sheriff’s department has acknowledged receiving the materials but declined to comment on their contents or authenticity.
One Tucson television station reported receiving an email containing specific information that suggested it may not be a hoax, including a dollar amount and a deadline. Investigators have said all tips are being taken seriously.
Savannah Guthrie addressed her mother directly in the video, her voice breaking as she spoke about their family’s love and faith.
“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman,” she said. “You are God’s precious daughter. We are praying for you, and people are looking for you.”
She described her mother as kind, loyal, deeply faithful and full of light, calling her funny, clever and fiercely loving. Guthrie was joined in the message by her sister Annie and brother Camron, who urged their mother to come home.
Support for the family has poured in from across the country. Donald Trump said he has directed federal authorities to assist in the search where possible, after speaking with Savannah Guthrie earlier this week.
In Tucson, hundreds gathered at a church vigil, lighting candles and praying for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. Among them was Jeremy Thacker, a former colleague of Savannah Guthrie, who said the situation has deeply affected the community.
“We’re all holding our breath,” Thacker said. “This is every family’s nightmare.”
Sheriff Nanos said the investigation remains active and ongoing, urging anyone with information to come forward as authorities continue to search for answers — and for Nancy Guthrie.
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