DNA Evidence Offers No Leads in Search for Missing TV Host's Mother

Authorities continue investigation into disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, has hit a standstill as DNA evidence found at her home has not produced any matches, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. Nanos revealed that the DNA found is a mix of multiple people, making it difficult for experts to extract a single profile. Despite thousands of leads, the sheriff's department and FBI continue to search for Nancy, who has been missing since February 1.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, a high-profile figure as the mother of a national television personality, has garnered significant public attention and concern. The lack of progress in the case despite extensive searches and DNA evidence analysis highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in missing persons investigations, especially when dealing with inconclusive forensic evidence.

The details

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos spoke with NBC News about the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. Nanos revealed that the DNA found at Nancy's home is a mix of multiple people, making it difficult for experts to extract a single profile that could provide leads. Despite thousands of tips and a dedicated team from the homicide unit working with the FBI, no matches have been found in the FBI's DNA database. Nanos stated that the sheriff's department is still operating under the assumption that Nancy is alive and they are "definitely closer" to finding her.

  • Nancy Guthrie has been missing since February 1, 2026.
  • On March 2, 2026, Savannah Guthrie, her sister Annie, and Annie's husband Tommaso were spotted placing flowers and a card at a tribute set up outside Nancy's home.
  • On March 2, 2026, Sheriff Chris Nanos spoke with NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz about the progress in the case.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing since February 1, 2026.

Savannah Guthrie

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

Annie Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's sister, who was spotted placing flowers and a card at a tribute for their missing mother.

Tommaso

Annie Guthrie's husband, who was also spotted at the tribute for Nancy Guthrie.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who has been leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“Though we are surrounded by so much darkness and uncertainty, our love burns bright. We love you Mommy. We miss you so much.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Annie Guthrie, and Tommaso, Nancy Guthrie's family (NBC News)

“Look, what I would tell you is this: We're aware of it, and we're looking into it, just like any other piece of evidence.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (NBC News)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the mystery man who claimed to have seen Nancy Guthrie 5 days ago to be questioned further by authorities.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in missing persons investigations, especially when dealing with inconclusive forensic evidence. Despite extensive searches and a dedicated team working the case, the lack of progress underscores the complexities involved in solving such high-profile disappearances.