A quiet Saturday evening in Arizona turned into a national emergency within hours when 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home. What began as concern over her absence from Sunday church quickly escalated into a major investigation. For Savannah Guthrie, longtime co-anchor of Today, February 2026 has become defined not by headlines she delivers, but by the terrifying uncertainty surrounding her own family.
Authorities in Tucson confirmed that Nancy’s residence is being processed as a crime scene. Chris Nanos stated that investigators discovered signs of forced entry and what appeared to be a blood trail leading away from the front entrance. Those findings shifted the case from a missing persons report to a suspected abduction, prompting assistance from federal agents and significantly expanding the scope of the search.
Nancy’s medical condition has intensified concerns for her safety. Family members say she relies on daily medication and has limited mobility, making it unlikely she would leave her home voluntarily. Reports of a ransom note sent to a local news outlet added another alarming dimension. The message allegedly included detailed information about Nancy and her property, suggesting whoever is responsible may have had direct access to the home.
As the investigation unfolds, the Guthrie family has largely withdrawn from public view. Savannah’s sister, Annie Guthrie, and Annie’s husband, Tommaso Cioni, were recently photographed in Tucson for the first time since the disappearance. Dressed casually and keeping a low profile, the couple appeared visibly strained as media attention intensified around them.
Cioni has been identified as the last known person to see Nancy before she vanished, having dropped her off at home following a family dinner. While that detail places him within the timeline, Sheriff Nanos emphasized that the family has been cooperative and engaged with investigators. Authorities have not indicated that any relatives are suspects, and officials continue to focus on gathering evidence.
The ripple effects of the case extend beyond Arizona. Savannah has stepped away from her duties on NBC and withdrawn from plans to participate in coverage of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. Her husband, Michael Feldman, has spoken briefly on behalf of the family, stating there are no new developments to share and requesting privacy as the search continues.
Meanwhile, forensic teams have expanded their work around the property and nearby areas. Law enforcement vehicles, specialized units, and federal personnel have been visible throughout Tucson neighborhoods as the search intensifies. The involvement of the FBI signals that authorities are treating the situation as a serious, potentially interstate matter.
As days pass, hope and fear coexist for the Guthrie family and their community. Law enforcement officials stress that investigations of this nature are complex and require patience. With national attention focused on the desert city, loved ones continue to wait for answers, holding onto the possibility that Nancy will be found safe despite the troubling evidence uncovered so far.
