Investigation into Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance Enters New Phase

Attorney says focus shifts from public outreach to evidence consolidation

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has entered a new phase, according to the family's attorney. Peter S. Christiansen, a Las Vegas-based criminal defense attorney, told Newsweek that the focus has shifted from broad public outreach to more clinical evidence consolidation, as authorities work to build a case that can withstand courtroom scrutiny.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has garnered national attention, and authorities are under pressure to provide answers. However, Christiansen cautions that law enforcement must balance urgency with evidentiary integrity, ensuring that every piece of evidence is properly collected and preserved to avoid due process issues in the future.

The details

Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on January 31, and her blood was found on the front porch. The FBI has released surveillance footage of a masked suspect, and investigators are looking into the possibility that the suspect's backpack may have been purchased online. Authorities have also confirmed that DNA from black gloves found near Guthrie's home did not match any entries in the FBI's national database, and they are still facing challenges processing mixed DNA found at the scene.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home on January 31, 2026.
  • She was reported missing the following day, February 1, 2026.
  • On February 10, 2026, the FBI released surveillance footage of a masked suspect.
  • On March 5, 2026, attorney Peter S. Christiansen spoke to Newsweek about the investigation entering a new phase.

The players

Peter S. Christiansen

A Las Vegas-based criminal defense attorney and the founder of Christiansen Trial Lawyers.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who has provided updates on the investigation.

Savannah Guthrie

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

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie who has been missing since January 31, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We're seeing the investigation shift from broad public outreach to more clinical evidence consolidation.”

— Peter S. Christiansen, Criminal defense attorney (Newsweek)

“There's so much that everybody wants to know, but I would be very neglectful, irresponsible as a police, law enforcement leader, to share that with everybody.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (NBC News)

“We feel the love and prayers from our neighbors, from the Tucson community and from around the country. Please don't stop praying and hoping with us. bring her home.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

What’s next

The Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI are continuing to investigate the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, focusing on building a timeline and consolidating evidence. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the FBI or local law enforcement.

The takeaway

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has entered a critical phase, as law enforcement shifts from public outreach to evidence consolidation. This highlights the delicate balance between urgency and evidentiary integrity, as authorities work to build a case that can withstand the scrutiny of a courtroom.