Sheriff Says Search for Missing Savannah Guthrie's Mother Could Take 'Months or Years'

Authorities remain hopeful they will find Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for two weeks.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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The mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie has been missing for two weeks, and the Arizona sheriff leading the search says it could take 'months or years' to find her. Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie, 84, was abducted, and they have detained and released a possible suspect. The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie's location and the arrest of those involved in her disappearance.

Why it matters

The high-profile disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother has garnered national attention and raises concerns about the challenges of missing persons cases, especially for elderly individuals. The search efforts and ongoing investigation highlight the complexities of these types of cases and the determination of law enforcement to find answers.

The details

Authorities have said they believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted, and they detained a 36-year-old delivery driver as a possible suspect after reviewing doorbell camera footage. However, the man, identified only as Carlos, was released after several hours, stating he had no knowledge of Nancy Guthrie. Investigators have recovered DNA evidence and other potential clues within a 10-mile radius of Guthrie's home, and they are comparing the samples to family members and others with access to her residence. Late Friday night, authorities swarmed an area about two miles from Guthrie's home, but no arrests were made.

  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026.
  • The search for Guthrie has been ongoing for two weeks as of February 14, 2026.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Arizona sheriff leading the search for Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for two weeks.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the 'Today' show, whose mother, Nancy Guthrie, has been missing for two weeks.

Carlos

A 36-year-old delivery driver who was detained and released as a possible suspect in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

FBI

The federal agency offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's location and the arrest of those involved in her disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“Maybe it's an hour from now. Maybe it's weeks or months or years from now. But we won't quit. We're going to find Nancy. We're going to find this guy.”

— Chris Nanos, Arizona sheriff (New York Times)

“I hope they get the suspect, because I'm not it.”

— Carlos (New York Times)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Carlos, the detained delivery driver, out on bail.

The takeaway

This high-profile missing persons case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in solving these types of cases, especially for elderly individuals. The ongoing search efforts and investigation demonstrate the determination of authorities to find answers and bring closure to Savannah Guthrie and her family.