More than 100 days after Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' co-host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her Tucson home, the Arizona sheriff leading the investigation says he is no longer in close contact with the family.
Shift in Communication
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told People magazine that he has handed off personal communication with the Guthrie family to his detectives. “I personally am not,” Nanos said when asked if he remains in direct touch. He explained that investigators and FBI agents now handle communications with the distraught family when necessary. “If they need the family for anything, they get in touch with them and the family,” he added. “It works both ways.”
In the early days of the investigation, Nanos had been in direct contact with Savannah Guthrie while she took time off from the show to be in Arizona. He described occasional texts and phone calls in early February, though he had not met with her face-to-face.
Ongoing Investigation
Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home on February 1. Investigators believe she was abducted by an armed, masked man, and they released home security footage showing a suspect at her front door the night of her disappearance. Despite the release of the footage, no significant leads have emerged. One source told Page Six, “There’s not one single lead since that footage was released.” The source noted that while the suspect’s face is not visible, his eyes, height, and a recognizable backpack are seen. “Come on,” the source added.
The Guthrie family, including Savannah’s older brother Camron and sister Annie, have offered a $1 million reward for information leading to their mother’s return or an arrest. The FBI has separately offered a $100,000 reward. FBI sources say the case remains a “major priority.”
Savannah's Public Composure
Despite the personal turmoil, Savannah Guthrie has continued to host the 'Today' show, returning in early April after a two-month absence. A source described her demeanor as inspirational, saying, “The grace and strength she shows each day, putting one foot in front of the other despite the pain, is truly inspirational.”
On Mother’s Day, Savannah shared a touching video tribute to her mother on Instagram, writing, “Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie – we miss you with every breath. We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you.” She urged followers to keep praying and to provide any information, directing tips to 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Criticism of Investigation
Last month, retired FBI agent Steve Moore criticized the handling of the case in its early stages. Moore suggested that detectives likely have more information than has been disclosed, but much of it may have proven unhelpful. “If they had significant information, they would have more progress on the case,” Moore told NewsNation. He added that disclosing certain details could “light a fire on social media,” but that such a fire “would not be helpful.”
