The disappearance of “TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother is being investigated as a crime, authorities confirmed Monday.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home outside Tucson on Saturday evening. Her family reported her missing around noon on Sunday, according to NBC News.
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At a Monday press conference, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized that investigators are approaching the case as a criminal matter.
“We do in fact have a crime scene.” “We do in fact have a crime,” Nanos said, according to NBC News, adding, “She did not leave on her own. We know that.”
Authorities are reviewing video from cameras at Nancy Guthrie’s home, where she lives alone and employs staff. Nanos also encouraged neighbors to check their Ring or security cameras for potential leads.
Search and rescue teams that had combed the area on Sunday were sent home, with Nanos noting that the focus has shifted from a search mission to an investigation.
Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication to survive, and officials warn that missing doses could be life-threatening.
The sheriff also clarified that her disappearance is not connected to dementia, describing her as “of sound mind” and “sharp as a tack.”
There is no indication of threats against Savannah Guthrie, who has traveled to Arizona to be with her family. Both the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection are assisting with the investigation.
“I need this community to step up and start giving us some calls,” Nanos said.
During Monday’s broadcast of the “TODAY” show, co-anchor Craig Melvin called the story “deeply personal” for the team.
In a statement, Guthrie expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and emphasized that the family’s priority is the safe return of her mother.
She encouraged anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
Nancy Guthrie is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, and her family reported that she has no cognitive impairments but is not in robust physical health.
Search efforts have included drones, planes, a helicopter, volunteers, and search and rescue dogs provided by CBP.