“She did not leave on her own,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing on Feb. 1.

Home of Savannah Guthrie’s missing mom has been declared a ‘crime scene,’ sheriff says

"She did not leave on her own," Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing on Feb. 1.

By Shania Russell

Shania Russell

Shania Russell is a news writer at *, *with five years of experience. Her work has previously appeared in SlashFilm and Paste Magazine.

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February 2, 2026 2:04 p.m. ET

Nancy and Savannah Guthrie in 2015. Credit:

Don Arnold/WireImage

Evidence of a crime has been found in the Arizona home of Savannah Guthrie's missing mother, authorities have confirmed.

After the *Today* anchor's 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday, a large-scale search commenced in Tucson. At a press conference on Monday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided an update on the case, revealing that Nancy's disappearance is now being investigated as a crime, and her home has officially been declared a crime scene.

"We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us," Nanos told reporters on Monday. "We believe now, after we process that crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime scene. And we’re asking for the community’s help."

Nanos did not go into further detail about why the department views the disappearance as a crime, but Sgt. David Stivers added there were "circumstances on the scene that we believe are suspicious in nature."

Savannah Guthrie and mom Nancy on 'Today' in 2019.

Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty

Nanos added, "She did not leave on her own, we know that."

The sheriff later confirmed that the massive search, which began Sunday night, has paused to give crews time to rest. "Right now, we don't see this as a search mission as much as we do a crime scene," Nanos stated.

He additionally shared that Nancy had "no cognitive issues," was in good mental health, and could not have left on her own due to mobility issues.

"This is not dementia-related. She’s as sharp as a tack. The family wants everyone to know that this isn’t someone who just wandered off," said Nanos, noting that Guthrie lived alone and was of sound mind. He later added, "She couldn’t walk 50 yards by herself."

Nanos stated that the family and authorities are additionally concerned that Guthrie has been separated from her daily medication. The sheriff stated that if she doesn't have her meds in 24 hours, "it could be fatal."

Representatives for the Pima County Sheriff's Department did not immediately respond to **'s request for additional information.

Savannah Guthrie in April 2023.

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Authorities have stated that Nancy was last seen on the night of Jan. 31 outside her home in Tucson. She was reported missing the following day. In an initial Sunday press conference, Nanos described the scene at Nancy’s house as "very concerning," noting that law enforcement was prompted to act urgently. The efforts to locate Nancy included airplanes, drones, helicopters, and search-and-rescue dogs on loan from Border Patrol. Hospitals in the area were contacted as well, but none reported seeing her.

On Monday morning, Savannah Guthrie was not behind the *Today* newsdesk, with Sheinelle Jones stepping up to fill her place. Guthrie did issue a statement, writing, "On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear Mom."

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Nancy has been featured on *Today* several times throughout Savannah's 15-year tenure. In 2022, the anchor marked her mother's 80th birthday on air, praising her "grit" and resilience. Savannah has often discussed having a close relationship with her mother, who raised the journalist and her two siblings after their father died of a heart attack when Savannah was 16.

"She’s a truth-teller, whether you really want to hear the truth or not," Guthrie said during her 2022 tribute. "She’s quick and she’s smart, she’s well-read, she’s curious about everything."**

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