Concern is mounting for Savannah Guthrie and her family after her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared from her Arizona home over the weekend under circumstances authorities now believe may involve a crime.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson on Saturday. When she failed to attend church on Sunday, a friend contacted police, prompting an immediate search effort. Since then, a large search-and-rescue operation has been underway, involving ground crews and aerial teams.
In an initial press conference on Sunday, Chris Nanos, sheriff of Pima County, said authorities were treating the case with urgency due to Nancy’s age and health. At that time, he noted that while nothing definitively pointed to criminal activity, investigators were deeply concerned about what they were learning from the home.
“We’re pretty much just throwing everything at this that we can,” Nanos said. “Guthrie is 84 years old and is not of good physical health, and so naturally that’s a great concern. This is very concerning to us.”
He also confirmed that a homicide team had been brought in to assist, emphasizing that this step reflected the seriousness of the situation rather than a confirmed conclusion.
As the investigation progressed, authorities uncovered information that shifted their assessment. Speaking with People on Monday, Sheriff Nanos said he now believes a crime may have been committed.
“At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night,” he said. “Taken against her will includes possible kidnapping or abduction.”
Nanos added that Nancy went to bed Saturday night and was gone by Sunday morning, and investigators are confident she did not leave the house on her own.
“We know, at least we believe, and I believe we know, she did not walk out of that home on her own.”
Authorities have noted that Nancy’s physical mobility is limited, making it highly unlikely she wandered away. Despite her physical challenges, Nanos emphasized that she is mentally sharp, which only deepens concerns.
“She is really just as sharp as a tack,” he told People. “Here you have this lady who’s got all her wits about her. So yeah, somebody came into that home and, I believe, took her out of there without her permission.”
Investigators are now reviewing home security footage from the surrounding area and have collected what was described as “biological DNA-type evidence” from the home. Officials have not released details about the evidence or said whose it may belong to.
