Police Reveal New Details After Searching Savannah Guthrie's Mom's Home

A quiet neighborhood turned into a crime scene after authorities discovered troubling evidence in the home of a missing elderly woman, including biological material and signs of a struggle.

Blood on the floor, a home left in chaos, and an elderly woman vanishing into the Arizona night. That is the terrifying mystery now gripping a quiet Tucson neighborhood — and shattering the world of one of morning television's most recognizable families.

Authorities say blood, signs of forced entry, and evidence of a violent struggle were discovered inside the Arizona home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "TODAY" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, triggering a frantic investigation into what police believe may be a kidnapping or abduction.

Nancy, described as mentally sharp but physically limited, was last seen Saturday night after returning home from dinner. By Sunday, she was gone — and the disturbing clues left behind painted a picture no family should ever have to face.

A Quiet Night Turns Into a Shocking Discovery

The following day, after Nancy returned to her home in the Catalina Hills area of Arizona, she was reported missing after failing to appear at church, an absence that immediately raised deep concern among those who knew her routine.

"At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, possibly [in the] middle of the night," Pima County Sheriff's Department spokesperson Kevin Adger said.

Authorities confirmed that blood was discovered at the scene, though at the time it had not yet been identified. DNA evidence collected inside the home is now being analyzed as investigators race against time.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department announced a $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest, underscoring the urgency and gravity of the case. Sheriff Chris Nanos made a direct, emotional plea, aimed not just at the public but at whoever may be responsible.

"Just call us. Let her go. Just call us," Chris said. "The family will tell you, there's no questions asked here. We don't need another bad, tragic ending."

From Missing Person to Crime Scene

What began as a welfare check quickly spiraled into something far more sinister. The investigation into Nancy's disappearance officially shifted into a criminal probe after authorities confirmed that DNA found inside the home belongs to the missing 84-year-old.

Chris told People that investigators declared the residence a crime scene after finding what he described as "biological DNA-type" evidence. While officials have not disclosed the exact nature of the DNA, they confirmed it belonged to Nancy.

She was last seen around 9:30 p.m. on January 31 at her home in Catalina Foothills, just north of Tucson. Her absence was first noticed when a friend from church realized Nancy had not shown up for Sunday service. Concerned, the friend contacted one of Nancy's children.

When family members arrived and made several alarming observations, they immediately called 911. At a press briefing, Sheriff Chris made it clear this was no longer a routine case. "Somebody came into that home, and I believe took her out of there without her permission. It was against her will," he said.

Investigators say the circumstances surrounding Nancy's disappearance are deeply troubling. While officials stressed she was mentally sharp, her limited mobility makes the situation especially suspicious. "She is really just as sharp as a tack," Chris said.

Even more alarming, authorities revealed that Nancy depends on daily medication, and going without it for more than 24 hours could be life-threatening. As homicide detectives continue their work, the community remains on edge — hoping for answers while bracing for the worst.

The search has entered a more complex and unsettling phase, with investigators now fully focused on criminal accountability.

Ransom Rumors and Chilling Possibilities

Sheriff Chris has repeatedly said he believes Nancy was abducted, but has stopped short of confirming whether the act was random or targeted, or whether money is involved. "We're looking at all the leads, and we don't know. We're going to assume both sides of that," Chris said during a press briefing.

Earlier in the week, specialized search and rescue teams were deployed using helicopters, drones, and thermal imaging. Those teams were later pulled back after the home was declared a crime scene. "Right now we don't see this as a search mission so much as we do a crime scene," Chris explained.

Adding to the growing tension, the sheriff's department confirmed it was "aware of reports" of possible ransom notes related to the case. Officials declined to confirm their legitimacy. "We are taking all tips and leads very seriously," the department said. "Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI."

Savannah Guthrie, 54, has remained in Arizona with her family as the investigation continues. The longtime "TODAY" show anchor kept a low profile until Monday night, when she shared a heart-wrenching plea on social media.

In an Instagram message, Savannah asked followers to join her in prayer, describing her mother as a woman of unwavering faith and strength. "We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope," she wrote. "We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him."

Quoting the bible's book of Isaiah, she added, "He will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord." She closed with a simple, devastating request, "Bring her home."

A Family United in Fear and Hope

Sheriff Chris confirmed that Savannah and her family have been fully cooperative with authorities as the investigation stretches on. Savannah was absent from the "TODAY" show on Monday as her family searched for answers. In a public statement, she thanked supporters while urging anyone with information to come forward.

"I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers, and messages of support," Savannah said. The TV host added that their main focus was to ensure the safe return of their beloved mother. "We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Office at 520-351-4900," she stated.

Savannah had only recently returned to the NBC studio following surgery. She is known for her close bond with her mother, whom she recently brought to visit the "TODAY" show studios — a moment colleagues say she cherished.

Nancy was widowed in 1989 after the sudden death of her husband, Charles, who died of a heart attack at age 49. She is also the mother of Savannah's siblings, Annie and Camron, who remain by her side.

As investigators work through the mounting evidence, the case remains painfully unresolved, leaving a family, a community, and millions of viewers clinging to hope. For now, the search for Nancy goes on — marked by fear, faith, and an urgent plea shared by both law enforcement and loved ones alike: bring her home alive.