FBI, Pima County Sheriff's Department Scale Back Nancy Guthrie Search

Authorities shift investigative resources as $1 million reward remains for missing 84-year-old

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The search for Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has reached a critical juncture as the FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department have reduced their on-site personnel in Tucson. While the investigation remains active, the agencies have shifted resources to focus on reviewing video evidence and maintaining a smaller detective presence in the neighborhood.

Why it matters

The sudden pullback of law enforcement resources has raised concerns about the status of the high-profile missing persons case, which has captivated national attention. However, authorities maintain that the search will continue until Guthrie is located or all leads have been exhausted.

The details

After a final search of Guthrie's home, the FBI withdrew most of its officials and investigators from Tucson, sending them to Phoenix. Just two days later, the Pima County Sheriff's Department followed suit, pulling additional officers off the case. Authorities say they are refocusing resources to detectives specifically assigned to the case, and will maintain a patrol presence in the Guthrie neighborhood as leads are developed and resolved.

  • The search for Nancy Guthrie has been ongoing for nearly one month.
  • The FBI withdrew most of its personnel from Tucson earlier this week.
  • The Pima County Sheriff's Department pulled additional officers off the case just two days later.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for nearly one month.

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

The federal law enforcement agency that has been leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The local law enforcement agency in Tucson, Arizona that has been assisting the FBI in the search for Nancy Guthrie.

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What they’re saying

“This remains an active investigation and will continue until Nancy Guthrie is located or all leads have been exhausted.”

— Pima County Sheriff's Department (Pima County Sheriff's Department)

“The fact they're going back to Phoenix doesn't really surprise me, and I don't think it impacts the investigation that much. It just doesn't feel that active in Tucson. They are still going to keep a contingent of FBI agents on the ground here in Tucson.”

— Brian Entin, NewsNation Reporter (NewsNation)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in high-profile missing persons investigations, as they must balance resource allocation and maintain an active presence while also thoroughly reviewing evidence. The Guthrie family's $1 million reward underscores the urgency to find answers in this troubling disappearance.