Search Continues for Missing Arizona Woman Nancy Guthrie

Daughter Savannah Guthrie pleads for mother's safe return as ransom demands surface

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Over a week after the mysterious disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie from her home near Tucson, Arizona, the search continues. Guthrie's daughter, NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, has posted video pleas on social media asking the alleged kidnappers to return her mother safely in exchange for a ransom payment. Authorities say they have received several ransom notes with deadlines and monetary demands, but have not yet identified any suspects.

Why it matters

The high-profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of a prominent national news anchor, has drawn significant media attention and raised concerns about the safety of elderly residents in the Tucson area. The case also highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to ransom demands and negotiating the safe return of a kidnapping victim.

The details

On January 31, Nancy Guthrie attended a dinner at one of her daughters' homes before being accompanied back to her own home in the Catalina Foothills community around 9:48 p.m. Her doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m. the next morning. When Guthrie did not show up for church as usual on Sunday, her family called 911 and discovered she was missing. Authorities believe she was forcibly removed from her home. Several ransom notes have been sent to local media outlets, with one demanding $6 million in Bitcoin by Monday at 5 p.m. or else Guthrie's life will be in peril. The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie's recovery.

  • On January 31, Nancy Guthrie was last seen being accompanied home around 9:48 p.m.
  • At 1:47 a.m. on February 1, Guthrie's doorbell camera disconnected.
  • On February 1, Guthrie did not show up for church, prompting her family to call 911 at 12:03 p.m.
  • One ransom note set a deadline of 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 6.
  • A second ransom note set a deadline of 5 p.m. on Monday, February 10.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills community near Tucson, Arizona. She is the mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie.

Savannah Guthrie

The NBC anchor and daughter of Nancy Guthrie who has been pleading for her mother's safe return on social media.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Heith Janke

The special agent in charge of the FBI's Phoenix division, who has provided updates on the investigation.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who has faced scrutiny over missteps in the search for Nancy Guthrie.

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What they’re saying

“We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so we can celebrate with her…this is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

— Savannah Guthrie, NBC Anchor (Instagram)

“You are God's precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley, He is with you… We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again.”

— Savannah Guthrie, NBC Anchor (Social Media)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the alleged kidnappers out on bail.

The takeaway

This high-profile kidnapping case has raised concerns about the safety of elderly residents in the Tucson area and the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to ransom demands. It also highlights the importance of strong community support and faith during such a difficult ordeal for the Guthrie family.