Sheriff Believes Kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie Was Targeted

Authorities say they have theories about the motive but are not 100% certain

Mar. 13, 2026 at 3:20pm

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The Pima County Sheriff investigating the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, said in a new interview that authorities believe the incident was targeted, though they are not 100% sure of the motive. The sheriff declined to elaborate further on the possible motive, stating they have some strong beliefs about what happened but are not ready to share those theories publicly.

Why it matters

The kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie has garnered national attention as the mother of a high-profile TV personality. Authorities are working to determine if this was a targeted attack or a random incident, which could have implications for public safety in the Tucson, Arizona area where she was taken.

The details

Investigators say they found "mixed" DNA evidence at Nancy Guthrie's home, which they hope will lead them to a suspect. The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department have also released surveillance footage that appears to show a masked, armed person tampering with Guthrie's doorbell camera on the morning of her kidnapping on February 1. Authorities are looking into the possibility the person may have had an accomplice and are also investigating reports of internet service disruptions in the neighborhood that night.

  • Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona home in the early morning hours of February 1, 2026.
  • The investigation is now in its seventh week as of March 12, 2026.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping.

Savannah Guthrie

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

Nancy Guthrie

The mother of Savannah Guthrie who was kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1, 2026.

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What they’re saying

“We believe we know why [the kidnapper] did this and we believe that it was targeted, but we're not 100% sure of that.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (NBC News)

“Don't think for a minute that because it happened to the Guthrie family, you're safe. No. Keep your wits about you.”

— 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 suspected kidnapper out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in determining motives for targeted crimes, even as they work to ensure public safety and provide answers for the victims' families.