Sheriff Weighs Possible Motive in Savannah Guthrie's Mom's Disappearance

Authorities investigate whether Nancy Guthrie's suspected abduction may be connected to her famous TV host daughter.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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As the investigation into the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, enters its third week, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos acknowledged that authorities are exploring whether the suspected abduction may be connected to Savannah's high-profile status as a TV news anchor. However, Nanos emphasized that the Guthrie family has been cleared as suspects and is fully cooperating with the investigation.

Why it matters

The disappearance of a public figure's family member raises concerns about potential targeted attacks, though authorities have not found evidence to support that theory so far. The case also highlights the challenges of high-profile missing persons investigations, where speculation can overshadow the facts.

The details

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of January 31 when she was dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills outside of Tucson, Arizona. She was reported missing the next day, February 1. Investigators have found DNA evidence at Nancy's property, which they are analyzing, and are also exploring the possibility of using genetic genealogy to identify a suspect. Sheriff Nanos has stated that the Guthrie family, including Savannah, her sister Annie, and their spouses, have been cleared as suspects and are cooperating fully with the probe.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of January 31, 2026.
  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026.
  • The investigation into Nancy's disappearance is now in its third week as of February 17, 2026.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who is overseeing the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Savannah Guthrie

The famous TV news anchor and Nancy Guthrie's daughter.

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie who went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Anything's possible. There was talk [that] this was a burglary gone bad, this was that … those things have never come out of this office. We recognize that anything is possible and we'll allow that evidence to show us what that is.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (NewsNation)

“The time to ask that question [about] motive is when we actually know who's done this.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (NewsNation)

What’s next

Investigators will continue analyzing DNA evidence found at Nancy Guthrie's property and may use genetic genealogy techniques to try to identify a suspect.

The takeaway

This high-profile missing persons case highlights the challenges authorities face in balancing the public's desire for information with the need to protect the integrity of an ongoing investigation, especially when the victim has a famous family member.