Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Abducted Mom Nancy Could Take ‘Years,’ Local Sheriff Says

Authorities in Arizona say they won’t stop searching for Nancy Guthrie, though they acknowledge the investigation may take time.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told The New York Times on Friday, Feb. 13, that investigators remain determined to find Nancy, 84, even after running into multiple dead ends.

“Maybe it’s an hour from now,” Nanos said of the search effort. “Maybe it’s weeks or months or years from now. But we won’t quit. We’re going to find Nancy. We’re going to find this guy.”

His comments followed a late-night law enforcement operation on Feb. 13 at a residence about two miles from Nancy’s home. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the activity was connected to her disappearance. A spokesperson said the next morning that no arrests were made.

Officials executed a federal, court-ordered search warrant at a home near E. Orange Grove Rd. and N. First Ave., saying it was based on a lead. Authorities also conducted a traffic stop and questioned an individual, but again reported that no arrests were made and provided no additional details.

David Curl, who lives next door to the home that was searched, told The New York Times that the residence belongs to an older woman who lives with her adult son. Curl said the woman appeared distraught and stayed at his home during the search. He said she did not understand why investigators were there and had no information about Nancy’s disappearance.

Nancy, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her Tucson home on the night of Jan. 31. Her family reported her missing around noon on Feb. 1 after she missed church.

The search warrant was executed the same day authorities said they recovered DNA evidence from the property that does not belong to Nancy or her close contacts. Investigators said they are working to determine who it belongs to, but have not disclosed where it was found.

Police have also said blood matching Nancy’s DNA was discovered on the exterior porch of her home. Gloves and other evidence connected to the case are undergoing forensic testing.

The FBI has released surveillance footage showing a masked, armed person appearing to tamper with a Nest camera at Nancy’s front door on the morning she was taken. After the images and video were released, Savannah posted them on social media, saying she believes her mother is still alive and urging the public to help identify the person shown.

Investigators are also reviewing ransom notes that have reportedly been sent to multiple media outlets. The FBI has said it is not aware of any communication between the alleged kidnapper or kidnappers and the Guthrie family.

The FBI is offering a $100,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or an arrest.