KEY POINT
- Crime scene confirmed: Evidence at Nancy Guthrie’s home led authorities to treat the case as a potential criminal matter.
- Ongoing search efforts: Law enforcement is conducting ground and aerial searches for the missing 84 year old.
- Public assistance requested: Officials urge anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Office immediately.
TUCSON, Ariz. — The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of NBC Today show co anchor Savannah Guthrie, is now being treated as a criminal investigation, Pima County law enforcement officials confirmed Monday. Investigators identified a crime scene at her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, prompting a heightened search effort.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday evening around 9:30 p.m. near her residence, authorities said. A family member reported her missing the following day after failing to locate her. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos described the scene at her home as “very concerning” and said homicide detectives have been assigned to the case.
The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s high profile as a news anchor. The decision to classify the situation as a criminal investigation highlights the seriousness of the circumstances discovered at Nancy Guthrie’s residence.
Authorities have stressed that the investigation remains active and are appealing to the public for information that could aid in locating her.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday, shortly after her family could not locate her. She resides in a well-established residential area of Tucson known as Catalina Foothills. According to law enforcement, the property contained disturbing elements that led them to treat it as a crime scene.
Sheriff Nanos noted that while no body has been found, the presence of suspicious circumstances warranted the involvement of homicide investigators, which is uncommon in standard missing persons cases.
Nancy Guthrie is reported to have no cognitive impairments but does have physical limitations that make her disappearance especially concerning.
Criminal Investigations: Retired FBI profiler Dr. Kimberly Dvorak, who consults on missing persons and high profile criminal cases, explained, “When authorities designate a missing person’s residence as a crime scene, it often indicates evidence suggesting foul play, such as signs of struggle or unusual disturbance in the home. Details are typically withheld early to protect the investigation.”
Elderly Vulnerability: Dr. Michael Gerson, gerontology expert at Arizona State University, highlighted the increased risks for elderly individuals in missing person cases.
“For someone 84 with health or mobility limitations, even short delays in locating them can have severe consequences. If foul play is involved, the urgency for prompt discovery rises exponentially.”
At a press briefing Monday, Sheriff Chris Nanos stated, “We believe now, after we processed that crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime, and we’re asking the community’s help.”
Savannah Guthrie issued a statement through NBC, saying, “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We are grateful for everyone reaching out and appreciate the community’s support.”
Investigators are likely to continue a multi faceted search strategy involving forensic analysis, witness interviews, and public appeals.
While authorities have not disclosed the specific evidence found at the residence, the escalation to a crime scene indicates they are pursuing all avenues to locate Nancy Guthrie safely.
The sheriff’s office has urged anyone with potential information to come forward immediately to assist in the ongoing investigation.
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, now under criminal investigation, underscores the urgency and seriousness of cases involving missing elderly individuals.
With homicide detectives involved and public assistance requested, the case remains an active priority for Pima County authorities, who continue efforts to locate her safely.