TUCSON, Arizona – The chilling disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has gripped the nation as investigators reveal disturbing details about her suspected abduction from her Tucson-area home.
Authorities from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that blood discovered on the front porch of Guthrie’s residence belongs to the missing woman, following DNA testing. The blood droplets, visible in images from the scene, were found near the entrance shortly after she vanished in the early hours of February 1, 2026. Sheriff Chris Nanos stated plainly that this is the only DNA evidence recovered so far, directly linking it to Nancy Guthrie herself.
The family’s desperate plea for confirmation that their loved one is still breathing has gone unanswered in a way that heightens anxiety. Kidnappers, who have sent multiple ransom notes to media outlets and possibly law enforcement, have claimed Nancy is unharmed and demanded payment – yet they have provided zero verifiable proof of life. No recent photos, no video snippets, no phone call – nothing to ease the family’s torment or counter the ominous implications of the blood trail left behind.
This absence is deeply troubling, especially given Nancy’s fragile health. She relies on daily medications for serious conditions, including a pacemaker for heart issues and treatments for high blood pressure. Without these, her condition could deteriorate rapidly, turning hours into a life-or-death race. Investigators have emphasized that time is critical, with each passing day increasing the risk.
The timeline paints a picture of a calculated nighttime intrusion: The garage door closed around 9:30 p.m. on January 31, the doorbell camera was disabled shortly after 1:47 a.m., motion was detected around 2:12 a.m. without recoverable footage, and her pacemaker disconnected from her phone at 2:28 a.m. – the last known signal from her device. Her personal belongings, including phone, wallet, and car, remained at the home, ruling out a voluntary departure.
Multiple ransom communications have surfaced, some containing specific details only the abductor(s) would know, such as references to home features. One earlier note proved fake, leading to an arrest unrelated to the core crime. A second message arrived recently, but it too offered no reassurance about Nancy’s well-being or a direct channel for negotiation.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have publicly addressed the captors in emotional videos, expressing readiness to communicate while begging for any sign their mother is alive. “We are ready to listen,” Savannah said, underscoring the family’s anguish amid the silence.
Law enforcement, assisted by the FBI, continues an intensive search, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or the arrest of those responsible. No suspects have been publicly identified, but officials insist they are pursuing every lead aggressively.
As the investigation enters its critical phase, the unanswered question looms largest: If the kidnappers are serious about a deal, why withhold the one piece of evidence that could keep hope alive – proof that Nancy Guthrie is still breathing?
