The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, remains one of the most closely followed missing person investigations in the United States. Nancy was reported missing on February 1, 2026, after she failed to attend a scheduled church service, prompting immediate concern from family members and local authorities.
Months later, investigators continue to work alongside the FBI, examining every available lead while urging the public not to lose sight of the case. Despite nationwide attention and extensive investigative efforts, officials have not identified a suspect or announced any arrests connected to Nancy’s disappearance.
What Happened
According to investigators, Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona.
When relatives were unable to reach her the following day, authorities conducted a welfare check. What they discovered quickly transformed the case into a major criminal investigation.
Detectives reported evidence of forced entry at the residence. Small drops of blood later confirmed to belong to Nancy were located near the front porch, raising immediate concerns that she may have encountered someone outside or near the entrance of her home. Investigators also determined that the home’s doorbell camera had been deliberately removed before the incident.
Those early findings suggested the individual responsible may have planned the crime in advance and attempted to eliminate surveillance evidence.
Surveillance Video Becomes Key Evidence
As the investigation progressed, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI released surveillance footage from nearby cameras in hopes of generating new leads.
The video showed an individual wearing a ski mask and carrying what appeared to be a firearm while moving around the property shortly before Nancy disappeared. Authorities said the person was also seen tampering with the home’s camera system.
Investigators later recovered a glove approximately two miles from the residence. Officials believe it matched clothing worn by the individual captured on surveillance footage.
Although forensic testing was conducted, DNA recovered from the glove did not match anyone currently listed in the national criminal database. Detectives continue to examine additional forensic evidence while exploring other investigative avenues.
Hoax Messages Complicated the Investigation
The case attracted widespread public attention, but that visibility also created significant challenges for investigators.
Over several months, multiple fake ransom messages were sent to media organizations and law enforcement agencies. Some demanded cryptocurrency payments, while others falsely claimed to reveal Nancy’s whereabouts.
After a lengthy investigation, the FBI determined the messages were fabricated and unrelated to the disappearance.
Authorities later announced that California resident Derrick Anthony Callella pleaded guilty to sending false communications connected to the case. Officials emphasized that the misleading messages diverted valuable investigative resources and caused unnecessary emotional distress for Nancy’s family.
Law enforcement has urged the public to rely only on verified updates from official agencies rather than social media rumors or unconfirmed reports.
Authorities Warn About Donation Scams
The investigation has also been targeted by online scammers attempting to exploit public concern.
On July 13, 2026, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued an urgent public warning after discovering fraudulent social media posts requesting donations for the investigation through QR codes.
Officials made it clear that neither the Sheriff’s Department nor the FBI will ever ask the public to contribute money through online payment links or fundraising campaigns related to the case.
Authorities encouraged anyone encountering these scams to avoid sending money and instead report the fraudulent posts to the appropriate platforms and law enforcement agencies.
Search Efforts Continue
Investigators say the search for Nancy Guthrie remains active despite the passage of several months.
Teams from local, state, and federal agencies continue reviewing evidence, analyzing digital information, conducting interviews, and following tips submitted from across the country. Detectives have not publicly identified any persons of interest, indicating that the investigation remains open and ongoing.
Officials continue to believe that even seemingly minor details could prove significant. As a result, they encourage anyone who may have noticed unusual activity near the Catalina Foothills neighborhood around the end of January 2026 to come forward.
Reward Remains Available
To encourage new information, Nancy’s family and the FBI are continuing to offer a reward of up to $1 million for information that leads to her safe recovery.
Authorities stress that every credible tip is carefully reviewed, regardless of when it is received. Even information that may appear insignificant could help investigators establish timelines or identify previously overlooked connections.
Anyone with relevant information can contact the FBI by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI. Anonymous tips are also accepted, allowing individuals to share information without revealing their identity.
As the investigation moves forward, Savannah Guthrie’s family continues to hope for answers while thanking investigators and members of the public who have supported the search.
Although several misleading claims and online scams have emerged during the investigation, law enforcement says the primary focus remains unchanged: locating Nancy Guthrie and determining exactly what happened on the night she disappeared.
