Sheriff Believes Nancy Guthrie Was Held Near Her Tucson Home

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says he is confident law enforcement will find the missing 84-year-old, whether it takes "10 days, 10 months, or worse".

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he believes Nancy Guthrie, the missing 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was held somewhere close to her home in Tucson, Arizona. Nanos said he is confident law enforcement will find Nancy, whether it takes "10 days, 10 months, or worse". The sheriff said Nancy was likely the victim of a targeted kidnapping, and investigators are analyzing biological evidence found at her home, including DNA that could belong to the suspect.

Why it matters

Nancy Guthrie has been missing for over two weeks, prompting a multiagency search involving local law enforcement and the FBI. Alleged ransom notes were sent to multiple news outlets after her disappearance. Nanos previously said there were clues at the crime scene indicating Nancy "did not leave on her own", and that she needs daily medication that could be fatal if she does not take it every 24 hours.

The details

Investigators are analyzing biological evidence found at Nancy's home, including DNA profiles that are currently under lab analysis. The DNA found at the property did not match DNA from a set of gloves found two miles from the home, but the FBI said DNA was found on a set of gloves that resemble gloves worn by a potential subject in surveillance video released by law enforcement. The sheriff's department said they are looking into additional investigative genealogy options for the DNA evidence to check for matches.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, on January 31.
  • It has been over two weeks since Nancy's disappearance.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who believes Nancy Guthrie was held somewhere close to her home in Tucson.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the Today show and Nancy Guthrie's daughter.

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who has been missing for over two weeks, prompting a multiagency search involving local law enforcement and the FBI.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's been two weeks since our mom was taken, and I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope and we still believe.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

“We're not giving up. If Nancy's out there, we're going to find her. We're not giving up.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (ABC News)

What’s next

Anyone with information is asked to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, 520-351-4900, 88-CRIME or visit tips.fbi.gov. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. A reward of $102,500 is being offered by 88-CRIME for the arrest of the person or persons involved in the disappearance.

The takeaway

This case highlights the urgency and complexity of missing persons investigations, especially when the victim requires daily medication. The search for Nancy Guthrie has involved extensive law enforcement efforts and community support, underscoring the importance of public vigilance and cooperation in locating vulnerable individuals.