Police investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, searched a septic tank behind the 84-year-old’s Tucson home on Sunday as the probe in the high-profile case intensifies.Drone footage showed three detectives lifting a manhole cover in the backyard and lowering a long pole into the septic system. An official police vehicle was seen outside the residence around 11 am local time.
Authorities have not revealed what led them to examine the tank or whether it had been searched previously. The investigators left without announcing any recovery. The latest search follows a series of forensic actions at the property. On Friday evening, February 6, 2026, authorities towed Nancy Guthrie’s blue SUV from her garage. Video aired by NBC News showed the vehicle being loaded onto a tow truck and driven away. A solar-powered camera was removed from the roof, while a white video camera was taken down from a nearby casita. Forensic vehicles also briefly visited the home of Nancy’s daughter, Annie Guthrie, the same night.Officials have reiterated that no suspects or persons of interest have been identified so far. The development comes as alleged ransom notes demanding USD 6 million in bitcoin continue to circulate among media outlets. One reported deadline was set for Monday evening, though investigators have not confirmed the authenticity of the messages.Savannah Guthrie, who has been in Arizona with her family, released a video statement alongside her siblings over the weekend. “We received your message, and we understand,” she said, adding that their mother’s safe return “is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”Authorities confirmed that blood found on the front porch of Nancy Guthrie’s Catalina Foothills residence matched her DNA. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, assisted by the FBI and other agencies, is treating the case as a criminal investigation and continues to pursue multiple leads while analysing evidence collected during searches.Community volunteers have joined awareness efforts, distributing flyers and sharing updates online as the search stretches into its second week.
Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing after she failed to attend church services in Tucson on Sunday morning. She was last seen late Saturday night after spending the evening with her daughter Annie Guthrie, who told investigators the two had dinner together on January 31 and that nothing appeared out of the ordinary.When Nancy could not be reached the following morning, family members searched the home before contacting authorities around noon. The residence has since been processed as a potential crime scene, with officials stating she may have been abducted while asleep.Savannah Guthrie was preparing for international travel related to NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics when she received news of her mother’s disappearance. NBC later confirmed that she would step down from hosting duties for the opening ceremony in Italy as she remains with her family during the ongoing investigation.Authorities have urged anyone with information to contact law enforcement as efforts continue to locate Nancy safely.
