Search for Missing Arizona Woman Turns to New Message

Authorities examine latest communication in presumed kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie's mother

Feb. 7, 2026 at 12:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Investigators searching for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her Arizona home six days ago, are examining a newly surfaced message that may be connected to her presumed kidnapping. The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department said they are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity. This comes after a purported ransom note was sent to media outlets earlier this week, and Guthrie's relatives renewed their appeal for direct contact with the presumed abductors.

Why it matters

The apparent home-invasion kidnapping of a vulnerable elder whose daughter is a well-known television news personality has drawn intense U.S. media attention. Authorities are operating on the presumption that Nancy Guthrie is still alive, but have not yet obtained proof of life or identified a suspect.

The details

Authorities did not specify the nature or content of the latest communication, but said investigators were 'actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity.' The first of two deadlines set in Tuesday's ransom letter came and went on Thursday evening, with a second deadline set for next Monday. Investigators have confirmed that Nancy Guthrie's blood was found on the porch steps outside her front door, and that her doorbell camera was disabled and her pacemaker app disconnected from her telephone line in the pre-dawn hours of Sunday morning, when she presumably was kidnapped.

  • On January 31, Nancy Guthrie was last seen when family members dropped her off at her home near Tucson, after she had dinner with them.
  • On February 1, relatives reported Nancy Guthrie missing.
  • On February 3, a purported ransom note was sent to media outlets.
  • On February 4, the first of two deadlines set in the ransom note came and went.
  • On February 6, a new message was received by a local TV station and forwarded to law enforcement.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona on January 31. She is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC's 'Today' show.

Savannah Guthrie

A television journalist and co-anchor of NBC's 'Today' show since 2012, who is the daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.

Camron Guthrie

The son of Nancy Guthrie, who has posted video appeals for his mother's safe return.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who has said that Nancy Guthrie is frail, has extremely limited mobility, and could not have left her home unassisted, leading investigators to conclude early on that she had been kidnapped.

Donald Trump

The U.S. President, who has spoken publicly about the case more than once this week and suggested a resolution to the case was at hand.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.