Police in Arizona have launched a major investigation after the elderly mother of prominent television anchor Savannah Guthrie vanished under what authorities are describing as highly suspicious circumstances.
Elderly Woman's Disappearance Triggers Major Police Response
Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old resident of the Catalina Foothills area just north of Tucson, was last seen at approximately 9:30 PM on Saturday evening near her home. The situation escalated rapidly when a family member contacted the Pima County Sheriff's Office on Sunday afternoon to formally report her disappearance.
Investigation Escalates to Homicide Probe
During a news conference on Sunday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that investigators had discovered what he termed "a very concerning scene" at Ms. Guthrie's property. This discovery prompted an unusual escalation in the investigation.
"We do in fact have a crime scene and are appealing to the public for help in providing information that will help find her," Sheriff Nanos told reporters, confirming that homicide detectives had been dispatched to the residence—a move he acknowledged was "not standard" procedure for typical missing person cases.
The sheriff emphasized that the case "stood out" due to the evidence discovered at the property, though he declined to provide specific details about what investigators found. Authorities have not ruled out foul play in Ms. Guthrie's disappearance.
Family Connection to National Television Personality
Nancy Guthrie is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, the well-known co-anchor of NBC's Today show, one of America's most-watched morning news programs. The connection to a high-profile media personality has brought significant attention to the case, though authorities are treating it as they would any serious investigation.
Police are urging anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts or who may have seen anything unusual in the Catalina Foothills area between Saturday evening and Sunday to come forward immediately. The investigation remains active as detectives work to determine what happened to the missing octogenarian.
