Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, remains missing as Arizona authorities probe a suspected kidnapping, ransom notes and key security footage clues.
Nancy Guthrie lived in the Catalina Foothills community for years and often interacted with neighbours online. (Photo: Social Media)
Authorities continue an intense search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television host Savannah Guthrie, after she vanished from her Arizona home under suspicious circumstances. Investigators believe someone abducted her from the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, sparking a high-profile search that has captured national attention.
Law enforcement officials have increased patrols and revisited the neighbourhood multiple times, especially after alleged kidnappers reportedly sent ransom notes demanding money for her release. The family has expressed urgency and concern as the deadline mentioned in the threats passed without confirmation of her safety.
Nancy Guthrie lived in the Catalina Foothills community for years and often interacted with neighbours online. Her activity on the Nextdoor platform revealed a warm personality and a strong interest in family, nature, and local wildlife. She affectionately called her neighbourhood “cat five” or “cat foot 5.”
Her final post on December 28 asked neighbours if anyone had lost an Amazon package. Earlier posts mostly focused on gardening and animals rather than crime. On January 4, 2024, she wrote, “Is it time to cover plants?” while preparing for frost. In May 2023, she asked, “Will Javelina eat the firecracker plant?”
Authorities say Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 and was reported missing the next day after she did not attend church services. Investigators later found blood on her front porch that matched her DNA, raising concerns about possible violence. Officials also discovered that her doorbell camera had been disconnected in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Security footage released on February 10 shows a man tampering with a Google Nest camera outside her home, adding another crucial lead to the investigation. Law enforcement officials continue to review digital evidence, interview neighbours, and track possible suspects.
Guthrie rarely spoke about safety concerns online. However, she once wrote, “Male thieves. Package stolen from front door yesterday. Be alert US POST OFFICE DELIVERED,” highlighting a rare mention of crime in her area.
In another post focused on wildlife rather than security, she said, “I'm thinking about buying a Ring or Nest security/doorbell camera? Any suggestions? Which has the best camera? Interested in seeing animal activity at night,” showing her interest in observing animals instead of protecting against threats.
So far, authorities have not located Nancy Guthrie, and officials worry about her health because she requires daily medication. Reports indicate she has a pacemaker and has faced high blood pressure and heart issues. Savannah Guthrie said over the weekend that the family stands ready to pay any ransom to secure her mother’s safe return.
Investigators remain hopeful but cautious as the search continues, urging anyone with information to come forward while they follow new leads and review evidence from the crime scene.
