Investigators say Nancy Guthrie, 84, was abducted from her Tucson home in the early morning hours of Sunday, Feb. 1, triggering a multi-agency search that now spans multiple states and involves the FBI.
Since her disappearance, authorities have confirmed that ransom communications have been sent to media outlets, announced a $50,000 reward and released a detailed timeline of events. Guthrie’s adult children — including NBC “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie — have used social media to plead for their mother's safe return. They've also said they are willing to pay a ransom.
A missing person alert released Feb. 2 for Nancy Guthrie
Below is a timeline of key moments in the investigation, from the last time Guthrie was seen to the latest developments in the case.
Saturday, Jan. 31
9:48 p.m. – 9:50 p.m.
Guthrie returns to her Catalina Foothills home after dinner with family. Her garage door closes at 9:50 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 1
1:47 a.m.
A doorbell camera at Guthrie's home is disconnected. Investigators do not have the device.
2:12 a.m.
Camera software detects a person at the house, but no video is available due to a lack of subscription.
2:28 a.m.
Guthrie’s pacemaker disconnects from her cellphone.
Late morning
Family members are alerted that Guthrie did not attend church service.
11:56 a.m.
Family checks Guthrie's home.
12:03 p.m.
Nancy Guthrie is reported missing.
12:15 p.m.
Deputies arrive and begin a search.
Sunday–Monday, Feb. 1–2
• Authorities conduct an extensive ground and aerial search using dogs, drones, helicopters and infrared technology.
• Hospitals are checked repeatedly.
• Investigators determine Guthrie did not leave the house on her own.
Tuesday, Feb. 3
• Sheriff Chris Nanos announces the case is being investigated as a criminal abduction.
• Evidence from the home is processed and submitted for DNA testing.
• A public tip line and QR code are launched.
Wednesday, Feb. 4
• Media outlets report receiving ransom letters demanding payment in cryptocurrency.
• Sheriff’s officials acknowledge “possible ransom note(s)” are being reviewed.
• DNA found at the home is confirmed to belong to Nancy Guthrie.
• No suspects, vehicles or suspect DNA evidence are identified.
• Nanos says medication Guthrie needs daily is critical to her survival.
• The FBI confirms it is assisting with the investigation.
Savannah Guthrie, right, and her mom Nancy speak April 17, 2019, in New York.
Thursday, Feb. 5
• Sheriff Nanos says investigators are hopeful Guthrie is alive.
• He confirms blood found on the porch belongs to Guthrie, but will not say if blood was found elsewhere on the property.
• A more detailed timeline is released showing the possible early-morning abduction window.
• The FBI significantly expands its involvement, bringing in agents, analysts, digital forensics teams and crisis negotiators from Quantico.
• The FBI announces a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery or arrests in the case.
• A ransom note deadline of 5 p.m. is disclosed.
• Savannah Guthrie and her siblings release a video plea asking for their mother’s return, with FBI consultation.
Friday, Feb. 6
• The first ransom deadline passes with no direct contact made with the family.
• Authorities say no suspects or persons of interest have been identified. Also, no one is ruled out.
• Sheriff Nanos says investigators are “looking at everybody.”
• Digital billboards begin appearing in other states as the search expands regionally.
Saturday, Feb. 7
• The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI confirm receipt of a new message related to the case.
• Investigators say the message is being reviewed for authenticity.
• Tucson station KOLD reports receiving the message and turning it over to law enforcement.
• Officials note the message comes ahead of a second ransom deadline of Monday, Feb. 9
• Authorities again urge the public to contact the FBI tip line with any information.
A screenshot of a video by Savannah Guthrie and her siblings Camron and Annie was released Saturday in which the plead for the return of their mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was taken from her Tucson home last weekend. "We received your message and we understand. ... This is very valuable to us, and we will pay," she said.
Sunday, Feb. 8
Guthrie’s adult children release a video saying they will pay ransom for her return.
Savannah Guthrie says, “We will pay,” after receiving a message believed to be from the kidnappers.
Monday, Feb. 9
CNN and Tucson’s KGUN report a purported ransom note sent to KGUN demands $6 million by 5 p.m. and includes a threat on Guthrie’s life.
Authorities do not confirm the note’s authenticity or the dollar amount. An X post about the details from the note has since been deleted, and the station said the ransom figure was not confirmed by authorities, reports say.
Sheriff’s officials say:
• No suspects, persons of interest or vehicles have been identified
• A security presence remains at Guthrie’s home at the family’s request
• Detectives and agents continue follow-up work at multiple locations
Additional developments:
• Investigators remove a manhole cover at Guthrie’s home; details not confirmed
• Prayers are held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church
• FBI expands the search with digital billboards in major U.S. cities
• A $50,000 reward remains in effect
This article was prepared with the help of AI technology using information collected and verified by journalists.
