Law enforcement reports that Savannah Guthrie’s mother was forcibly taken from her home in Arizona
Officials stated on Tuesday that US authorities are looking into alleged ransom notes in the disappearance of the mother of Savannah Guthrie, who co-hosts NBC News’ Today show.
Nancy Guthrie went missing in Arizona over the weekend, and police suspect she was taken from her home at night against her will.
According to CBS, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said a local Arizona news station received a note on Monday, which it agreed not to report, containing specific details about the home and what the 84-year-old woman was wearing that night. The official did not confirm the accuracy of that information or the note’s legitimacy.
“It’s like any piece of evidence,” Nanos said. “You give it to us, you give us a lead, we’ll examine every aspect of that lead.”
Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson on Saturday evening, when family dropped her off after an outing.
She did not attend her planned church service the following morning, prompting a friend to contact her family. Relatives called 911 around noon Sunday to report her missing after failing to find her at home. Several of her personal belongings, including her cell phone, wallet, and vehicle, remained inside.
Nanos earlier told the press that investigators believe Guthrie was taken from her home against her will, leading authorities to treat the case as a potential criminal investigation rather than a standard missing-person report.
“I believe she was abducted, yes,” Nanos said, as cited by CBS News. “She didn’t walk away from there. She didn’t go voluntarily.”
Her residence was declared a “crime scene” after an initial examination, and law enforcement noted she has limited mobility and requires daily medication. The FBI has joined the investigation, assisting with evidence analysis and conducting interviews.
Savannah Guthrie has stepped back from her broadcast duties, asking for prayers and support for her mother’s safe return. Authorities have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with photos, surveillance footage, or tips that could help locate Nancy Guthrie to come forward.
US President Donald Trump called Guthrie’s disappearance “very unusual” and “a terrible thing” during a bill-signing event at the White House on Tuesday. He promised to call the Today show co-host to offer support and said he would consider additional federal assistance in the investigation.