Police Search Septic Tank at Home of Savannah Guthrie's Missing Mother

Authorities are investigating the suspected abduction of Nancy Guthrie, 84, and have received a ransom demand.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Police in Tucson, Arizona have searched a septic tank behind the home of Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing since January 31. Authorities are treating the home as a potential crime scene and have received a ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin for Nancy's return. While no suspects have been named, police have seized digital evidence and a car belonging to Savannah's sister Annie as part of the ongoing investigation.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother has garnered national attention, raising concerns about her safety and the potential involvement of family members. The search of the septic tank and seizure of digital evidence suggest authorities are pursuing all possible leads to locate Nancy Guthrie and determine what happened.

The details

On Sunday, February 8, police were seen opening a manhole cover behind Nancy Guthrie's Tucson home and investigating the septic tank. Authorities have not provided an official reason for the search, but a former SWAT team captain speculates they may be looking for any evidence that could have been flushed down the toilet. Police have also received a ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin for Nancy's return, and they are collecting digital forensic evidence from the home and from Savannah's sister Annie's car, which was seized by investigators.

  • Nancy Guthrie went missing from her Tucson home on January 31.
  • On February 7, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a video pleading for Nancy's captor to return her.
  • On February 8, police were seen searching the septic tank behind Nancy's home.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

The daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie and a prominent television journalist.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother who has been missing since January 31.

Annie Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's sister, whose car was seized by police as part of the investigation.

Tommaso Cioni

Savannah's brother-in-law and Annie's husband, who has been named as a potential suspect by a former journalist, though police have not confirmed this.

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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 that 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 (Instagram)

“A lot of people forget that having a septic tank means waste water doesn't go into a city sewer, it goes into the tank. So, somebody may have flushed something thinking that would get rid of it, but instead it would actually just be deposited in the septic tank.”

— Josh Schirard, Former SWAT Team Captain (The Daily Mail)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Savannah's brother-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, to be released on bail as the investigation continues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of investigating a suspected abduction, with authorities searching for digital and physical evidence while also navigating complex family dynamics. The search of the septic tank underscores the meticulous nature of such investigations as they pursue all possible leads to locate the missing person.