Tucson: Investigators Find Forced Entry at Home of Missing 'Today' Host Savannah Guthrie's Mother

A Nighttime Abduction in Catalina Foothills

Investigators found signs of forced entry at the Tucson home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, according to a person familiar with the investigation who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Saturday night at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood, west of North Campbell Avenue and south of East Skyline Drive. She was reported missing on Sunday after failing to attend her church service.

"Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. Bring her home."

That was the plea Savannah Guthrie made in a social media post late Monday. She described her mother as "a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant."

Why Time Matters

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Nancy Guthrie needs daily medication and could die without it.

"If she is alive right now, her meds are vital. I cannot stress that enough. It has been better than 24 hours, and the family tells us if she does not have those meds, it can become fatal," Nanos said.

Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility. Nanos said she "could not walk 50 yards by herself." Officials do not believe she left on her own. Nanos said she is of sound mind.

What Was Left Behind

The person familiar with the investigation told AP that investigators found specific evidence in the home showing there was a nighttime kidnapping. Several of Nancy Guthrie's personal items remained at the house. Those items included her cellphone, her wallet, and her car.

Investigators believe she was driven away in a vehicle. Nanos said they do not yet have evidence of a specific vehicle.

The Investigation Widens

The FBI is providing technical support to the county investigation. Assistant Special Agent Jon Edwards of the Tucson FBI office told reporters that the agency is obtaining cellphone records and cell tower information.

"We are doing everything in our power to bring Nancy Guthrie home to her family," Edwards said.

Investigators are reviewing surveillance video from nearby homes. They are also analyzing data from intersection cameras and license plate readers in the area. Nanos said the search area includes regions around Ina Road and River Road from west to east.

DNA samples were gathered at the home and submitted for analysis. Nanos said some results had returned but nothing indicated any suspects.

The sheriff said the home security cameras were not cloud-based. The data would need to be obtained from the manufacturer through warrants and subpoenas. Nanos said that process "will take a little time."

A Ransom Note Emerges

A local CBS News affiliate reported receiving a letter demanding a sum for Nancy Guthrie's release. The note reportedly included details about what she was wearing on the night of her abduction.

Nanos told CBS that the FBI reviewed the note and shared it with Savannah Guthrie. At Tuesday's press conference, the sheriff declined to confirm or discuss details related to the note.

"We are following all leads. That is all I can tell you," Nanos said.

Not a Robbery, Not Yet Random

The person familiar with the investigation said officials do not currently believe the abduction was part of a robbery, a home invasion, or a kidnapping-for-ransom plot. The motive remains a mystery.

Nanos said he does not know whether Nancy Guthrie was targeted because she is Savannah Guthrie's mother.

"We look at all of that, but we just do not know that," he said.

A Tucson Story

Savannah Guthrie grew up in Tucson. She graduated from Amphitheater High School and the University of Arizona. She previously worked as a reporter and anchor at Tucson television station KVOA.

Savannah Guthrie's parents settled in Tucson in the 1970s. Their father died of a heart attack at age 49 when Savannah was 16. Nancy Guthrie raised the three siblings on her own.

For a second day, "Today" opened with coverage of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. Savannah Guthrie was not at the anchor's desk. Nanos said she was in Arizona.

On Monday morning, search crews using drones and dogs were pulled back. Volunteers and Border Patrol had supported the earlier search.

"We do not see this as a search mission so much as it is a crime scene," Nanos said.

The Sheriff's Department set up a tip line QR code for the public to submit photos or videos. Nanos asked the public to call 9-1-1 or the Sheriff's Department at (520) 351-4900 with any information.

Nanos said he does not believe the public is in any danger.

"I hope she is alive. We will never give up that hope. I do not want anyone to give up that hope," he said.