Savannah Guthrie Resumes "Today" Co-Anchor Duties Amid Mother's Abduction Investigation
Savannah Guthrie resumed her co-anchor duties on NBC's "Today" show on Monday, April 6, following a two-month absence. Her return occurred amidst an ongoing investigation into the disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, from her Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1.
Authorities suspect Nancy Guthrie was abducted, and a combined reward of $1.1 million is available for information leading to her recovery or the arrest and conviction of those involved.
Disappearance and Initial Investigation
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area following dinner with her daughter, Annie Guthrie. She was reported missing around noon on February 1 after failing to appear for an online church service. Upon discovering her absence, family members contacted 911, and police arrived at her home shortly after.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos declared the residence a crime scene, stating that evidence indicated Nancy Guthrie did not leave voluntarily and was believed to have been abducted. Authorities found drops of her blood on the front porch, which DNA testing confirmed belonged to Nancy Guthrie. Her personal belongings, including her wallet, cellphone, car, and essential daily medications for conditions such as high blood pressure and heart issues, were left at the home. Investigators initially noted signs of forced entry, although a source familiar with the investigation later stated some rooms showed no signs of an assault.
A detailed timeline of the disappearance was established:
- January 31, 9:48 p.m.: Nancy Guthrie was dropped off at her home.
- February 1, 1:47 a.m.: Her doorbell security camera was disconnected.
- February 1, 2:12 a.m.: Movement was detected on another security camera at the home, though no footage was initially available.
- February 1, 2:28 a.m.: Nancy Guthrie's pacemaker app indicated disconnection from her phone.
The FBI joined the investigation, providing analytical and technical support.
Surveillance Footage and Suspect Description
On February 10, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department released surveillance photos and video recovered from "residual data" in backend systems, including footage from Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera. These images depicted a masked individual, described as a male between 5 feet, 9 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall with an average build. The individual was seen wearing gloves, a ski mask, and carrying a black 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack and what appeared to be a holstered firearm. The suspect was also seen tampering with the camera and using prairie brush to obscure the lens.
Investigators later confirmed that the suspect had been recorded on Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera on a day preceding February 1, without a backpack, suggesting potential prior surveillance of the residence.
DNA Evidence and Leads
DNA from a black glove found approximately two miles from Nancy Guthrie's home was initially reported to match those worn by the individual in the surveillance video. However, preliminary DNA test results submitted to the FBI's CODIS national database for convicted offenders and arrestees did not yield a match. Subsequently, the DNA from this glove was traced to a local restaurant worker not involved in the abduction.
"Mixed" DNA samples collected from inside Nancy Guthrie's home are undergoing further analysis, with investigators considering "Investigative genetic genealogy" (IGG) methods. All family members, including Savannah Guthrie and her siblings and their spouses, were officially cleared as suspects.
Investigators explored leads related to the suspect's backpack and clothing, believing they were purchased at Walmart. Walmart provided records of "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" purchases to assist the investigation. Over 13,000 tips were received by the FBI. Law enforcement conducted searches, including at a residence two miles from Nancy Guthrie's home and another in Rio Rico, but no arrests were made.
Ransom Notes and Family Appeals
Multiple purported ransom notes, some demanding millions in Bitcoin, were sent to media outlets and the Guthrie family. While some were dismissed as hoaxes (one of which led to the arrest of Derrick Callella for sending an imposter note), Savannah Guthrie confirmed that she and her siblings believed two specific notes they received were authentic and responded to them, offering payment. However, no direct contact from alleged kidnappers or proof of Nancy Guthrie's life has been reported since the initial notes.
The Guthrie family, including Savannah and her siblings Annie and Camron, made public appeals for their mother's safe return.
Savannah Guthrie expressed her family's "agony" and stated their willingness to pay for her mother's release, emphasizing the need for proof of life due to concerns about manipulated voices and images.
She also acknowledged the possibility that her mother "may already be gone" but expressed the family's hope for a miracle and closure. The family offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her recovery, supplementing the FBI's $100,000 reward. Savannah Guthrie also donated $500,000 to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Savannah Guthrie also expressed concerns that her mother might have been targeted due to her own public profile, apologizing to her mother and family if her career played any role.
Savannah Guthrie's Absence and Return to "Today"
Savannah Guthrie was absent from the "Today" show for two months following her mother's disappearance, with Hoda Kotb, Laura Jarrett, Sheinelle Jones, and Willie Geist filling in for her. During her absence, the "Today" show reportedly surpassed "Good Morning America" in total viewers and expanded its lead in the 25-54 adult demographic, a key metric for advertisers.
Guthrie visited the "Today" show studios on March 5, expressing gratitude to colleagues and affirming her intention to return. She conducted an interview with Hoda Kotb, aired in late March, discussing her personal doubts, her faith, and the "unbearable" distress her family was experiencing.
Her return to the show on April 6 was anticipated by producers and staffers. During her initial broadcast, Guthrie covered news topics, stating, "It is good to be home." While her mother's disappearance was not directly mentioned in the first hour, co-hosts wore yellow ribbons, and Guthrie shared emotional moments with fans in the "Today" plaza. NBC management indicated a flexible approach to her return, adapting segments to her comfort level. Advertisers maintained their support for the show during her absence.
Ongoing Investigation
As of Guthrie's return, the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance remains active. Authorities have not identified a suspect or established a motive publicly.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has stated that it continues to operate under the assumption that Nancy Guthrie is still alive.
Investigators are focusing on various leads, including genetic genealogy for DNA found at the residence, and continue to review thousands of hours of surveillance footage from the greater Tucson area. The family continues to appeal to the public for any information, emphasizing that "no detail is too small."