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Authorities are racing to solve the mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Last seen at her Tucson, Arizona home on January 31, Nancy has been missing for more than a week, prompting a high-profile investigation that now extends to Rio Rico, Arizona.
Who Is Nancy Guthrie?
Nancy Ellen Long Guthrie is a long-time Arizona resident and mother of three — including prominent journalist Savannah Guthrie and her sisters Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie. Known as a devout churchgoer with limited mobility and daily medication needs, Nancy was reported missing after failing to show for a scheduled family event, triggering immediate alarm from loved ones.
Disappearance, Investigation & Crime Scene
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI have treated Nancy’s disappearance as a criminal matter after finding her blood at the scene and evidence that she did not leave voluntarily. Surveillance footage obtained and released by federal agents shows a masked individual wearing gloves and a backpack approaching her home’s front door shortly after midnight on the night she vanished.
Despite widespread speculation online — including theories about ransom demands in bitcoin — authorities have warned the public to be cautious about unverified information. A separate individual was arrested in connection with a fake ransom demand but not with Nancy’s actual disappearance.
Search Expands to Rio Rico, Arizona
On February 10, law enforcement executed a court-authorized search warrant at a property in Rio Rico, AZ, approximately 60 miles south of Tucson, as part of the ongoing investigation. Deputies cordoned off roads and worked with FBI evidence teams in what officials described as an intensive multi-agency effort.
During the operation, a man was detained for questioning at a traffic stop near Rio Rico, though authorities have not confirmed his identity or any official charges. A woman at the searched residence denied any connection, and investigators seized electronics and other materials as part of their evidence review.
Who Are the People Connected to the Case?
Social media and some news commentary have speculated about the role of family members in the case — particularly Annie Guthrie’s husband, Tommaso Cioni, who was reportedly the last person to see Nancy before her disappearance. However, law enforcement has not publicly named him as a suspect or person of interest.
Another name that surfaced on social platforms is Dominic Evans, a friend and bandmate of Cioni’s, but these mentions are based on unverified online chatter rather than official investigation details.
Family Pleas & Public Response
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made emotional public appeals urging the return of their mother and calling on anyone with information to come forward. They have paused professional commitments, including Olympic coverage plans, to focus on the search and share updates with the public.
The FBI has also offered a reward for credible tips leading to Nancy’s location or to the arrest of someone connected to the case.
Current Status & What’s Next
- Nancy Guthrie has not yet been found, and authorities continue their search and questioning.
- Law enforcement stresses that no confirmed suspect has been publicly identified despite detentions for questioning.
- Social media claims — including speculation about medical flights to Banner Hospital in Tucson — have been denied as related to the investigation by reporting journalists.
As the investigation continues across Tucson and Rio Rico, Arizona, officials urge the public to share tips with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and report any credible information that could help resolve this worrying case.