Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping: New Claimed Messages, FBI Reward, and Ongoing Search as Days Drag On
TUCSON, Ariz. — The mysterious abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, entered its second week with fresh developments, including a purported new message from the kidnapper and continued searches of her upscale Arizona home.[1][2]
Authorities with the Pima County Sheriff’s Office believe Guthrie was taken against her will from her residence in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood outside Tucson in the early hours of February 1, 2026. Blood matching Guthrie’s DNA was found on her front porch, her doorbell camera was disconnected at 1:47 a.m., and motion was detected shortly after, though no footage is available due to an inactive subscription.[1][2][3]
Detailed Timeline Emerges
Sheriff Chris Nanos released a precise timeline on February 5, outlining the events leading to Guthrie’s disappearance. On January 31, Guthrie took an Uber to her daughter’s home for dinner at 5:32 p.m. and was dropped off at her own home by family at 9:48 p.m., with her garage door closing two minutes later.[1][3]
Early on February 1, the anomalies began: the doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m., software detected movement at 2:12 a.m., and Guthrie’s pacemaker app disconnected from her phone at 2:28 a.m. Church friends noticed her absence around 11 a.m., prompting family to check on her at 11:56 a.m. They called 911 at 12:03 p.m.[1][3]
| Date/Time | Event |
|---|---|
| Jan. 31, 5:32 p.m. | Uber to daughter’s home for dinner[1] |
| Jan. 31, 9:48 p.m. | Dropped off at home by family[1][2] |
| Feb. 1, 1:47 a.m. | Doorbell camera disconnects[1][3] |
| Feb. 1, 2:28 a.m. | Pacemaker app disconnects[1] |
| Feb. 1, ~11 a.m. | Church friend reports absence[1] |
| Feb. 1, 12:03 p.m. | Family calls 911[1] |
Evidence Points to Foul Play
Forensic evidence underscores the criminal nature of the incident. DNA tests confirmed blood on the porch belonged to Guthrie, and a trail was visible near the front door. Personal items were left behind, and the doorbell camera had been physically removed. Investigators towed a vehicle from the property on Friday during an extensive search.[2][3]
Guthrie, who relies on daily medication and has a pacemaker, faces deteriorating health the longer she remains missing, heightening family and official concerns.[2]
Ransom Notes and New Claims Surface
From the outset, officials confirmed they were reviewing possible ransom notes. By February 7, reports emerged of a new message from someone claiming responsibility for the kidnapping. Private investigator commentary suggested the kidnappers demanded Bitcoin — a move deemed traceable by the FBI — and urged them to release Guthrie alive, possibly nearby due to her age and health issues.[4][5]
“Leave her with water. Leave her with some food. Make damn sure she doesn’t die because if she dies, it’s murder,” PI Clark advised in a FOX 10 Phoenix interview.[5]
High-Profile Involvement and Rewards
The case drew national attention, with Savannah Guthrie publicly pleading for her mother’s return on social media: “Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom… Bring her home.”[1]
The FBI offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s whereabouts. President Donald Trump personally called Savannah Guthrie and directed federal assistance. Aboard Air Force One on Friday, he stated the investigation was progressing “very well” with “strong clues.”[2]
Investigation Continues Amid Challenges
Sheriff Nanos emphasized Guthrie “did not leave on her own” and pressed for public tips. Despite no named suspects or confirmed motive, efforts persist, including attempts to recover lost camera footage.[1][2]
Tommaso Cioni, husband of Guthrie’s daughter Annie, was the last to see her, dropping her off around 9:50 p.m. on January 31.[3]
As the search intensifies in the hilly desert terrain, authorities and loved ones hold out hope for a breakthrough. The White House and FBI involvement signals the case’s urgency, but time remains critical for the vulnerable elderly woman.[2]
Updates will follow as new information emerges. Tips can be directed to Pima County Sheriff’s Office or FBI channels.