Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has issued a strong and repeated denial of any suspicion falling on family members in the abduction of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Amid swirling online rumors and media reports naming relatives—particularly son-in-law Tommaso Cioni—as potential persons of interest, Nanos has firmly stated there are no suspects or persons of interest identified, emphasizing that accusations targeting the family are baseless and harmful to the ongoing investigation.
The sheriff’s office first addressed the speculation during briefings following Nancy’s disappearance from her Catalina Foothills home. Reports emerged from journalist Ashleigh Banfield citing unnamed sources claiming Cioni, husband of Nancy’s daughter Annie Guthrie, was under close scrutiny as a “prime suspect.” Banfield highlighted connections such as Cioni being the last to see Nancy alive after dropping her off around 9:30–9:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, following a family dinner. Yet Nanos quickly countered these claims, telling reporters that no such focus existed and urging the public to cease spreading unverified information that could jeopardize leads and cause unnecessary pain to the grieving family.
Nanos’s defense has been notably swift and categorical. In multiple press conferences and statements, he reiterated the family’s full cooperation, describing them as supportive and devastated rather than evasive. “We appreciate the public’s concern, but sharing unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation,” he said, directly addressing viral posts and media segments that amplified family-targeted theories. The emphasis on debunking these rumors early appears aimed at protecting the integrity of the probe while preserving the family’s privacy during an intensely personal crisis.
Adding to the emotional weight, the Guthrie siblings—Savannah, Annie, and Camron—released a tearful four-minute Instagram video on February 4, 2026, pleading for Nancy’s safe return. Seated together, they spoke directly to any captor: “We need absolute proof that she is alive and in your custody… We are ready to talk.” Savannah’s voice broke repeatedly as she described her mother as “our heart and our home,” highlighting Nancy’s fragile health—chronic pain, cardiac issues requiring daily medications, and an implanted pacemaker—warning that without her essential drugs, her condition could deteriorate fatally. Annie expressed the family’s anguish: “The light is missing from our lives.” The video, captioned “Bring her home,” acknowledged rumored ransom notes without confirming details, focusing instead on urgency and hope. It garnered widespread sympathy, with thousands of supportive comments and shares amplifying prayers for Nancy’s return.
The timeline of Nancy’s last moments has drawn particular attention. Authorities believe she was taken against her will early Sunday morning, February 1. A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital that her pacemaker last synced with her Apple devices around 2 a.m., with the connection lost shortly after—likely when she was moved out of Bluetooth range. Her Apple Watch and phone remained in the house, abandoned, while her wallet, cards, and vehicle were taken. Deputies responding to a welfare check around noon Sunday found forced entry, small blood drops trailing to the driveway, and signs of struggle. Some online discussions and reports have referenced activity or evidence in the backyard around 2:20 a.m., possibly tied to the pacemaker cutoff or witness accounts, though official statements have not confirmed specifics beyond the general early-morning window.
Sheriff Nanos has cautioned against over-narrowing the timeline publicly, noting it could discourage tips outside that frame: “I really don’t want to get into narrowing down the time because narrowing it down means we could miss some tips and leads.” Despite this, the 2 a.m. data point has become central, suggesting a rapid nighttime operation while Nancy slept. The secluded Catalina Foothills neighborhood—with large lots, thick vegetation, and limited lighting—facilitated a quiet removal, as no neighbors reported disturbances.
Multiple alleged ransom notes demanding Bitcoin payments have surfaced, sent to media outlets like TMZ, KOLD, and KGUN rather than privately. Some included non-public details about Nancy’s attire or home, but their public nature has raised doubts about authenticity—possible hoaxes or misdirection. Authorities are analyzing them with FBI assistance, treating them seriously without confirmation.
The FBI has significantly increased resources, with additional agents and forensic experts aiding local efforts. Searches using drones, K-9 units, helicopters with infrared, radar, and volunteers have covered the desert terrain without breakthroughs, challenged by rugged landscape and dense cover. President Trump pledged federal support after speaking with Savannah, highlighting the case’s profile.
No arrests or named suspects exist as of February 5, 2026. The sheriff’s quick pushback on family rumors seems designed to redirect focus toward verifiable leads and protect innocents amid intense scrutiny. The emotional family video underscores raw desperation, while timeline questions—like potential backyard activity near 2:20 a.m.—keep speculation alive. With Nancy’s health precarious, every hour counts. The investigation presses on, urging tips via 1-800-CALL-FBI, as hope persists for her safe return amid a mystery that continues to grip the nation.
