Police vehicles outside a suburban home in Tucson during nighttime search for missing womanPhoto by cottonbro studio on Pexels

Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman from a Tucson suburb, has been missing for eight days after an apparent abduction from her home. Her daughter, NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, and other family members found her gone last Sunday when she did not show up for church. Authorities believe she is still alive but have named no suspects as a second ransom deadline nears.

Background

Nancy Guthrie lives in a quiet neighborhood in Tucson, Arizona. She had dinner with her family just after 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2026. That matches the time her garage door opened and closed, according to officials. About four hours later, at 1:47 a.m., her doorbell camera went offline. An empty frame for the camera was already there before that night.

At 2:12 a.m., security camera software picked up movement, possibly a person or an animal. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said they could not recover the footage and do not know which camera saw it. Fifteen minutes later, at 2:28 a.m., her pacemaker app lost connection to her phone. Officials think that is when she left the house. Her phone stayed behind.

Family members checked on her just before noon on Sunday. They called 911 right away. The case drew national attention because Nancy is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of the Today show. Her children have made public pleas for her safe return.

Investigators returned to her home over the weekend. They also searched another family member's property and took away her car. Deputies now have someone stationed outside her house around the clock.

Key Details

Two ransom notes have surfaced. The first went to TMZ and a local Tucson TV station. It had a first deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday and a second one for Monday. FBI special agent Heith Janke said it included details not released to the public, like a damaged item in the home and where an accessory was placed. People who saw it called it carefully crafted.

A second note went to Arizona news outlet KOLD on Friday. The station said it had information to prove it came from the same person. No proof of life has come from the abductors. The notes demand millions of dollars.

One man from Hawthorne, California, Derrick Callella, was arrested Thursday. Federal authorities say he sent fake ransom messages asking for bitcoin. He is not connected to the real abduction.

Family Video Appeals

Savannah Guthrie posted a video on Saturday with her brother and sister. She sat next to them and spoke directly to the kidnappers.

"We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."

— Savannah Guthrie

Her brother, Camron Guthrie, made a video on Thursday near the first deadline.

"Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward."

— Camron Guthrie

This was the family's third emotional plea. They want a way to talk to whoever has Nancy.

Investigation Updates

Pima County Sheriff's teams searched inside and outside Nancy's home again on Sunday. They went back to her daughter Annie's house Saturday night. Detectives are checking gas stations nearby. They are looking at hundreds of vehicles caught on camera the night she vanished.

The FBI offers a $50,000 reward. No suspect, person of interest, or vehicle has been identified. Sheriff Nanos said Thursday they believe she is alive. Church members at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church prayed for her return during services.

Super Bowl 60 Highlights

While the Guthrie search grips the nation, football fans watched Super Bowl 60 on Sunday night. The Seattle Seahawks beat the New England Patriots 29-13. It was a big win for Seattle in a game full of standout plays.

The Seahawks took control early with a strong defense. They held the Patriots to just 13 points. Seattle's quarterback threw for over 300 yards and two touchdowns. Running backs added key scores on the ground.

Key moments included a pick-six in the second quarter that swung momentum. The Patriots fought back but could not close the gap. Seattle's fans celebrated as confetti fell at the final whistle.

What This Means

For the Guthrie family, each day without word brings more worry. The second ransom deadline passes soon, with no public update from authorities on any response. A deputy at the house shows they expect more activity. Canvassing gas stations and vehicle footage could lead to a break if they match a lead.

The fake ransom sender's arrest shows how fame draws hoaxers. It complicates things for real investigators. The FBI's reward might bring tips, but no one has claimed Nancy is alive with proof.

Nancy's age and health, including her pacemaker, raise concerns. Her family stays public to pressure the abductors. They say they will pay, hoping it brings her home safe.

In football, the Seahawks' victory boosts their status. Fans point to it as a new era after past struggles. Players spoke of team effort post-game. It gives a moment of joy amid heavy news like the search.

Tucson residents watch the case closely. Neighborhoods stay alert. Church prayers continue weekly. The mix of ransom notes, family pleas, and no answers keeps everyone waiting.

Author

  • Amanda Reeves

    Amanda Reeves is an investigative journalist at The News Gallery. Her reporting combines rigorous research with human centered storytelling, bringing depth and insight to complex subjects. Reeves has a strong focus on transparency and long form investigations.

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