The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has taken a dramatic and unsettling turn as investigators intensify their efforts in Tucson, Arizona. What began as a missing person case on February 1, 2026, after Nancy failed to appear at church, has evolved into a full-scale criminal investigation involving the FBI, with authorities treating her home as a crime scene and pursuing leads that suggest she was taken against her will.
Nancy was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, when her daughter Annie Guthrie and son-in-law Tommaso Cioni dropped her off at her Catalina Foothills home following dinner at their residence, which is nearby. Tommaso Cioni was reportedly the last person to see her safely inside. Early evidence at Nancy’s home included traces of blood confirmed to belong to her, a disconnected or removed doorbell camera, motion detection around 2:12 a.m. without captured footage, and her pacemaker app disconnecting from her phone shortly after. These details quickly shifted the case from a possible voluntary absence—unlikely given her limited mobility and fragile health—to a suspected abduction.
Multiple ransom demands have surfaced, including unverified notes and messages demanding millions (one specifying $6 million in Bitcoin) sent to media outlets and family members. Deadlines have passed without confirmed proof of life or further contact, leading authorities and experts to question their authenticity—some appear to stem from opportunistic hoaxes, including fake texts sent by a California man charged in connection with impersonating kidnappers to Annie and Tommaso. The FBI has stated it is unaware of any ongoing communication between the family and potential captors.
Investigators have conducted extensive searches at Nancy’s property, including renewed activity with K-9 units, examination of the septic tank and manhole, and forensic processing of her vehicle. Activity has also extended to the home of Annie Guthrie and Tommaso Cioni, where authorities were seen on February 7 entering with consent, using flash photography, and removing bagged evidence in blue gloves. Reports of a “silver briefcase” and other items being collected have circulated, though no official confirmation ties these directly to new breakthroughs.
Recent social media posts and viral claims have amplified speculation, with sensational headlines suggesting police “swarmed” or “blockaded” Tommaso Cioni’s home “just 10 minutes ago,” describing an open back door, “troubling traces,” and a dramatic shift focusing on him rather than an outsider. Fact-checks and official statements, however, indicate no public identification of suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles. Authorities have repeatedly emphasized that no one has been ruled out or named, and sharing unverified accusations hinders the probe. Some reports label these circulating stories as spam or misinformation, often originating from low-credibility sources or social media amplification.
Savannah Guthrie, along with siblings Annie and Camron, has issued multiple emotional public pleas via video on Instagram, expressing desperation, belief that their mother is “still out there,” and readiness to pay any legitimate ransom for her safe return. They have urged the public to report any tips, no matter how small, and emphasized Nancy’s vulnerability due to her age and health conditions.
As the search enters its second week, the atmosphere remains tense amid ongoing forensics, digital analysis (including cell records and geo-fencing), and multi-agency coordination. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI continue to seek information via tip lines, with a $50,000 reward offered.
Sources:
Yahoo News fact-check on claims about Tommaso Cioni
Hindustan Times on ransom notes and family
NewsNation and iHeart reports on police activity at Annie’s home
The New York Times updates on the case
CNN and TODAY show coverage of family pleas
Various reports from Fox News, CBS News, and People on evidence and investigation status.
