The mysterious disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie — mother of Savannah Guthrie and beloved matriarch of the Guthrie family — has left authorities, family members and the public searching desperately for answers. New developments in the case show that Nancy was last seen by her daughter’s brother-in-law, raising crucial questions for investigators working to understand what happened in the early hours after she was reported missing.

The case has drawn significant national attention as law enforcement treats Nancy’s disappearance as a potential crime, and as family members have cooperated fully with the ongoing investigation.


The Last Known Sighting: What Happened

According to reports, Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Saturday, January 31, after spending time with family and dining together. She was reportedly dropped off at her Tucson, Arizona home by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, who is married to her daughter, Annie.

Police say Cioni made sure Nancy got inside her residence safely around 9:45 p.m., and that this is currently the last confirmed sighting of the 84-year-old before she vanished.

The following morning — Sunday, February 1 — family members grew alarmed when Nancy didn’t show up for her scheduled church service. This triggered a wellness check by her family, who discovered she was gone and immediately contacted law enforcement.


Investigation Underway, But No Suspects Identified

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie was quickly ruled suspicious by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which began treating the residence as a potential crime scene. Signs strongly suggested that she did not leave her home voluntarily.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified at this time, despite intense investigative efforts. Detectives continue to speak with anyone who had recent contact with Nancy as they follow leads.

A spokesperson from the sheriff’s office emphasized that investigators are still awaiting additional forensic results and are keeping all possibilities open.


Evidence and Crime Scene Details

While authorities have not shared full specifics, early reports described several concerning elements at Nancy’s home that suggested foul play:

Blood evidence was found at the scene, though officials have declined to clarify its origin.

Cameras at the home were reportedly smashed, complicating surveillance efforts.

Personal items such as Nancy’s vehicle, phone and wallet were reportedly left at the residence.

These details prompted police to begin a broader search and involve federal agencies — including the FBI — to assist with the investigation.


Ransom Notes and Public Leads

In addition to physical clues, reports have circulated about potential ransom notes purportedly received by media outlets. Law enforcement has confirmed that they received such reports and are taking them seriously, though the authenticity of those notes remains unverified at this time.

One such note was said to demand a multi-million-dollar payment in bitcoin and reportedly contained specific details related to Nancy’s clothing and home, according to some outlets.

Authorities stressed that any such communications are being investigated thoroughly in conjunction with other forensic leads.


Family Response and Savannah Guthrie’s Statement

After Nancy was reported missing, Savannah Guthrie took a leave from her broadcasting duties, including withdrawing from coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, to focus on her mother’s case and be with her family.

The Guthrie family has issued statements expressing gratitude for public support and urging anyone with information to contact law enforcement. They emphasized that this remains an active search for their loved one.

Co-workers, colleagues and viewers of the Today show also shared messages of concern and hope on social media platforms, reflecting a widespread public interest in Nancy’s safe return.


Authorities’ Position on the Brother-in-Law

Following widespread reports — including an initial claim that Tommaso Cioni might be a suspect — law enforcement has specifically denied identifying him or any other individual as a suspect.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reiterated that no suspects or persons of interest have been officially named, and detectives are continuing interviews as part of their investigation.

While police have acknowledged speaking to individuals who interacted with Nancy — including her son-in-law — they stress that this is standard procedure in any missing-person or criminal investigation.


Community and Search Efforts

The search for Nancy has engaged not only law enforcement but also the broader community, with investigators canvassing neighborhoods, reviewing surveillance footage from nearby cameras and encouraging residents to come forward with any relevant information.

Authorities have also deployed search-and-rescue resources, including K-9 units, drones and aerial teams, as part of their effort to locate Nancy or uncover further evidence.

Sheriff Chris Nanos stated in a press briefing that the circumstances surrounding her disappearance were “very concerning” and that they believed she had not left the premises of her home voluntarily.


Health Concerns and the Clock Ticking

Nancy’s age and health status have added urgency to the investigation. She suffers from serious medical conditions — including high blood pressure and cardiac issues — and requires daily medication that could pose life-threatening risks if she remains missing.

Sheriff Nanos has described the situation as critical, urging the public for tips that could lead to her location.


National Attention and Responsible Reporting

Given Savannah Guthrie’s high public profile as a national television journalist, the case has attracted intense media scrutiny. Officials have cautioned both the press and the public against spreading unverified information that could hinder the investigation or lead to misinformation.

Despite the spotlight, law enforcement insists that the focus remains on finding Nancy safely and piecing together a concrete timeline of her disappearance.


How the Public Can Help

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has encouraged anyone with information — whether seemingly major or minor — to reach out via their tip line. Tips, surveillance footage and neighborhood observations could provide crucial evidence in this ongoing probe.


What Happens Next

As the search continues, investigators will analyze every lead, forensic result and witness statement to build a clearer picture of what happened to Nancy. The case remains open and active, and authorities have reiterated that no conclusions should be drawn until verified evidence is presented.

The Guthrie family, supported by law enforcement and public outpourings of hope and prayer, continues to wait and work toward a resolution to this troubling disappearance.