Authorities in Arizona are engaged in a desperate race against time as they search for the abducted mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, with police warning that the 84-year-old woman could die without her essential medication.
Critical Medical Situation
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos delivered an emotional update on Tuesday, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation. "It is a race against time, and I hope that window hasn't closed," Nanos stated during an interview, revealing that Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication to survive.
The sheriff explained that investigators collected DNA evidence at the crime scene early Tuesday morning, hoping to develop leads in the case. "We took some samples that we hope will have enough profile of a DNA profile that gives us some identification of what we're looking at," Nanos told reporters.
Disturbing Discovery at Crime Scene
Police sources have revealed that blood was found inside Nancy Guthrie's home following what appears to have been a forced entry. The 84-year-old was reportedly abducted from her bed at her $1 million home in Tucson's affluent Catalina Foothills area late Saturday or early Sunday.
Neighbors described an unusual and chaotic scene on Sunday night, with police vehicles driving up and down the street with lights flashing and a helicopter circling overhead. One neighbor who spoke with local media described the large police presence as "very unusual" for the normally quiet neighborhood.
Heartbreaking Plea from Savannah Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie was absent from the Today Show anchor desk for a second consecutive day on Tuesday as the search for her mother continues. Instead, the television host made a deeply emotional plea on social media, asking fans to keep her mother in their prayers.
"We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope," Savannah wrote on Instagram. "We believe in goodness, we believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him."
Sheriff's Emotional Response
Sheriff Nanos nearly burst into tears during a Monday night press conference when asked if he believes Nancy Guthrie is still alive. The sheriff emphasized that he and his deputies are "just not going to give up hope" of finding the elderly woman.
Investigators continue to work around the clock, following every possible lead in what has become an increasingly urgent search operation. The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie's high-profile position as a morning television host.
As the investigation enters its critical phase, authorities remain hopeful that Nancy Guthrie will be found safe, while acknowledging the serious medical implications of her being without essential medication for an extended period.
