Sheriff Believes Nancy Guthrie May Have Been 'Targeted' in Disappearance

Pima County Sheriff provides update on investigation into missing Tucson woman as search enters 41st day

Mar. 14, 2026 at 3:37pm

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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos shared the latest developments in the case of Nancy Guthrie, who went missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1st. Nanos believes Guthrie may have been specifically targeted, and authorities are investigating a potential internet or power disruption that occurred the night of her disappearance. The community continues to show strong support for the Guthrie family as the search continues.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, has garnered national attention and concern. Authorities believe she may have been specifically targeted, raising fears of a potential ongoing threat to public safety in the Tucson area. The investigation into the internet and power disruptions on the night of her disappearance could provide crucial clues about the circumstances surrounding her abduction.

The details

Investigators are still trying to identify a person seen on a doorbell camera wearing a ski mask, backpack, and holster outside Guthrie's home on the night she disappeared. Sheriff Nanos said they believe they know the motive but are not 100% certain. Authorities are also processing mixed DNA evidence found at the crime scene, including a glove recovered about 2 miles from Guthrie's home, in hopes of identifying a suspect. The sheriff confirmed they are looking into a potential internet or electrical disruption in the area that night, though they don't believe a damaged utility box is connected.

  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing by her family on February 1, 2026.
  • March 13, 2026 marked the 41st day since Guthrie's disappearance.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who provided the latest update on the Nancy Guthrie investigation.

Savannah Guthrie

The NBC News anchor and daughter of missing woman Nancy Guthrie.

Donna Preuss

A Tucson artist who has been leaving canvas paintings outside Nancy Guthrie's home to show support for the family.

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What they’re saying

“Well, absolutely, absolutely. I mean, you know, criminal minds are criminal minds.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (TODAY)

“We believe we know why he did this, and we believe that it was targeted, but we can't — we're not 100% sure of that, and so it'd be silly to tell people, 'Yeah, don't worry about it. You're not his target.' No, you could be.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (TODAY)

“Something they can save. Something that they read, and I think they'll feel it in their heart. I know that Savannah will.”

— Donna Preuss, Tucson artist (TODAY)

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 ongoing threat of targeted violence in the Tucson community and the importance of a thorough investigation to identify the perpetrator and any potential accomplices. The community's strong show of support for the Guthrie family is a testament to their resilience in the face of this tragedy.