The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of ‘TODAY’ co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, intensified Thursday as investigators released a clearer sequence of events from the night she vanished and confirmed that federal authorities are now fully involved. The case, now in its fifth day, has drawn nationwide attention, though officials say no suspect or person of interest has been identified.
Throughout the investigation, officials have stressed they are operating under the belief that Guthrie is alive. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said: “Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there We want her home … The community is hurting with you. We really just want mom back.”
According to timeline events leading up to her disappearance, Nancy Guthrie left her home Saturday evening around 5:32 p.m. to have dinner with family. She traveled by Uber to her daughter’s house, and investigators have since spoken with the driver, though details of that conversation have not been disclosed. She returned home at approximately 9:48 p.m., when her garage door opened and then closed two minutes later.
Several unexplained events occurred early Sunday morning. Sheriff Nanos said that at about 1:47 a.m., the doorbell camera at Guthrie’s home went offline. Roughly 25 minutes later, the system logged motion classified as a person, but no footage is available. Nanos noted it is unclear whether that detection involved a human or an animal. At 2:28 a.m., Guthrie’s pacemaker app disconnected from her phone. Family members grew alarmed when Guthrie failed to attend church Sunday morning. They went to her home at 11:56 a.m., contacted 911 at 12:03 p.m., and deputies arrived shortly after, at 12:15 p.m., officially launching the missing person investigation.
Authorities later confirmed that blood discovered on the porch outside Guthrie’s home matched her DNA. Investigators have not said whether there were signs of forced entry or damage to security equipment and emphasized that all possibilities remain under review. Sheriff Nanos said the disappearance may not necessarily involve a kidnapping, but investigators are treating the case as suspicious and examining every angle.
The FBI announced it is now working jointly with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery or to “the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.” FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said agents and technical experts have been deployed to assist local authorities, including teams analyzing digital records from banks, phone providers, social media platforms, and home security systems. Investigators are also reviewing reports of ransom notes that reference Guthrie and were sent to multiple media outlets. Janke confirmed one note demanded money by 5 p.m. Thursday, with a second deadline mentioned for Monday. Authorities have not verified the legitimacy of the notes, and no proof of life has been provided.
An arrest has already been made in connection with what officials described as an “imposter” ransom demand. Addressing those attempting to exploit the case, Janke said, “To those impostors who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation: We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.” He added that any decisions regarding ransom communication ultimately rest with the family.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings also made an emotional public appeal in a video message, speaking directly to whoever may be involved: “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. 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. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us. Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.” Savannah’s sister, Annie Guthrie, said, “Mama, if you’re listening, we need you to come home, we miss you,” and their brother, Charles Camron Guthrie, added: “We love you, Mom, stay strong, come home.”
President Trump has also offered support for the Guthries, stating on social media that he spoke with Savannah Guthrie personally. He wrote: “I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!”
FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke issued a direct appeal to anyone responsible for Guthrie’s disappearance, urging them to “do the right thing” and return her safely. Investigators continue to ask anyone with information to call 911 or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
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