Police Search Septic Tank in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

Deadline Approaches as Investigators Seek Clues in 84-Year-Old's Vanishing

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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Police investigating the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, searched a septic tank behind her home in Tucson, Arizona on Sunday. Guthrie was last seen at her home on January 31, and investigators believe she was taken against her will. DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie's front porch was a match to her.

Why it matters

The high-profile disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother has garnered national attention, with the family pleading for her safe return. The search of the septic tank suggests investigators are pursuing all possible leads in the case, which has seen alleged ransom demands and approaching deadlines.

The details

According to reports, three detectives were seen sticking a long pole down the manhole behind Guthrie's home, though more details about what they were searching for were not known. Savannah Guthrie has released a video pleading with the potential kidnappers to return her mother safely, and multiple press outlets have received alleged ransom letters demanding payment in bitcoin with established deadlines.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home on January 31, 2026.
  • Police searched the septic tank behind Guthrie's home on February 9, 2026.
  • Alleged ransom letters have set deadlines for Thursday evening and Monday evening of the current week.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona on January 31, 2026. She is the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the Today show and the daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who has stated that DNA tests showed blood on Guthrie's front porch was a match to her.

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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)

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.