Sheriff Says There Is a ‘Crime’ in Disappearance of NBC Host Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

Authorities in Arizona have upgraded the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, to a criminal investigation, confirming that evidence suggests she did not leave her home willingly.Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced on Monday that the residence near Tucson is now considered a crime scene.“We believe now, after we processed that crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime scene that we do, in fact, have a crime,” Sheriff Nanos told reporters. “She did not leave on her own. We know that.”Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, shortly after family members dropped her off.Alarm bells rang on Sunday morning when a fellow church-goer contacted the family to report that Nancy had failed to show up for services. A relative contacted the Pima County Sheriff’s Department around noon on Sunday to report her missing.While initial efforts began as a search and rescue mission, Sheriff Nanos said that the operation has shifted based on findings at the residence.“This is very concerning to us. We don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this. But it’s very concerning what we’re learning from the house,” the sheriff said. Consequently, “We don’t see this as a search mission as much as we do a crime scene.”Investigators have ruled out the possibility that Nancy wandered off due to dementia or confusion. Sheriff Nanos described her as being of “good sound mind” and “sharp as a tack,” but noted she has physical ailments that restrict her movement.“The family wants everybody to know this isn’t somebody who just wandered off. Her physical limits are based on just age,” Sheriff Nanos said.Law enforcement is currently using helicopters, drones, and infrared cameras in the search. The Sheriff’s Department has also enlisted help from Customs and Border Protection to assist in the investigation. Authorities are also combing through security footage at the home and have asked local residents to review their Ring camera videos for potential evidence.Sheriff Nanos said, “We’re pretty much just throwing everything at this that we can. Guthrie is 84 years old and is not of good physical health, and so naturally that’s a great concern.”NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, who has been in regular contact with law enforcement, released a statement to the “Today” show on Monday morning.“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” the statement read.

Sheriff Says There Is a ‘Crime’ in Disappearance of NBC Host Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

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