Arizona authorities announced on Thursday that they have not identified a person of interest in the case of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. A $50,000 reward is now available for information that could either help recover her or lead to arrests related to her case.
This update emerged during a press conference organized by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department alongside the FBI, focusing on the potential kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC news anchor Savannah Guthrie.
When questioned about whether Savannah’s husband, Tommaso Cioni, was the last to see Nancy before she went missing on Sunday, the sheriff confirmed a family member drove her home on Saturday night but didn’t disclose who it was.
“We are looking into everyone involved in this case. It would be irresponsible not to speak with everyone,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated. “Everyone remains a suspect in our eyes.”
Nanos shared some new details about the events leading up to Nancy’s disappearance. She arrived home around 9:48 p.m. on January 31. Authorities reported that within two minutes, the garage door closed—the last recorded sign she was inside. “At that point, I think Nancy was likely home and preparing for bed,” he remarked.
However, around 1:47 a.m. the following morning, her doorbell camera was disconnected. The camera’s software detected a figure at approximately 2:12 a.m., but officials stated that there was no video evidence available to confirm the identity of the figure.
About 40 minutes later, Nancy’s pacemaker lost connection with its phone app, which was another troubling sign. Her family found her missing around 11:56 a.m. after she didn’t attend her usual church service.
Authorities discovered blood stains on the front porch, and DNA testing showed they belonged to Nancy. When asked about any potential forced entry during her alleged abduction, Nanos did not confirm, saying only, “We haven’t discussed whether or not that was the case.”
While they await more forensic analysis, the FBI announced the reward and emphasized that they are collaborating closely with local law enforcement, appealing to the public for tips and insights.
FBI Special Agent Keith Janke mentioned that they take ransom notes very seriously, noting one specifically mentioned an Apple Watch, while another referred to a floodlight. However, he refrained from elaborating further.
Officials indicated that the family hasn’t received any response to the video appeal released by Savannah and her brother, during which they expressed their desire to connect with whoever is behind the ransom note. “After receiving the note without any reply, the family is eager to negotiate and confirm her safety,” Janke explained.
He noted that the first deadline for the ransom was set for Thursday at 5 p.m., with a second deadline approaching the following Monday. All decisions regarding the ransom will ultimately lie with the family, he added.
When asked about communication with Mexican authorities, given Arizona’s proximity to the border, the sheriff admitted he had not yet reached out to officials in Mexico.
Janke urged those involved to “do the right thing” and cooperate with authorities to ensure Nancy’s safe return. “This is an 84-year-old grandmother who relies on crucial medications for her well-being. There’s still time to rectify the situation before it escalates further. Please, bring Nancy home.”
