Search for Savannah Guthrie's Abducted Mom Nancy Could Take 'Years,' Local Sheriff Says

Authorities in Arizona say they "won't quit" when it comes to the search for Nancy Guthrie, but admit it could take more time.

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said his team of investigators is still determined to locate Nancy Guthrie, 84, who was last seen at her Tucson, Ariz., home on the night of Jan. 31. Despite a number of dead ends in recent days, Nanos said they "won't quit" and will continue searching, even if it takes "weeks or months or years." Authorities executed a search warrant at a residence near Nancy's home on Feb. 13, but no arrests were made.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy, has garnered national attention and sparked an intensive search effort by local and federal authorities. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in long-term missing persons investigations, especially when there are few initial leads or evidence.

The details

On Feb. 13, authorities were seen swarming a residence near Nancy's home late at night, but no arrests were made. A federal, court-ordered search warrant was executed at the residence, which a Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) spokesperson said was "based on a lead we received." A traffic stop was also conducted, and an individual was questioned, but no arrests were made.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson, Ariz., home on the night of Jan. 31.
  • Nancy's family reported her missing around noon on Feb. 1 after she missed church.
  • On Feb. 13, authorities executed a search warrant at a residence near Nancy's home.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who said his team of investigators is still determined to locate Nancy Guthrie, even if it takes "weeks or months or years."

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, who was last seen at her Tucson, Ariz., home on the night of Jan. 31 and has been missing since.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the Today show and daughter of Nancy Guthrie, who has been actively involved in the search for her missing mother.

David Curl

A neighbor who lives next door to the home that was searched on Feb. 13, who said the residence belongs to an older woman who lives with her adult son.

Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD)

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

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What they’re saying

“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, Pima County Sheriff (The New York Times)

“She had no idea what they were asking about. She had no information about the disappearance or any idea why they were focusing on their house.”

— David Curl, Neighbor (The New York Times)

“We believe she is still alive. Bring her home.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the individual questioned on Feb. 13 to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in long-term missing persons investigations, where leads may be scarce and the search could take years. It also underscores the emotional toll on the families of missing persons, as Savannah Guthrie continues to plead for information to bring her mother home.