Sheriff: We Think We Know Motive in Guthrie Case

Authorities in Arizona say the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, remains active and troubling weeks after she vanished from her home in Tucson.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who is overseeing the search, said investigators believe they have identified a likely motive and suspect that Guthrie may have been specifically targeted. However, he declined to publicly explain the theory. Nanos also warned that the person responsible may still pose a danger. He said it would be irresponsible to tell residents they are not at risk, noting that someone capable of this crime could potentially strike again.

Nancy Guthrie disappeared 40 days ago. When she vanished, her phone and Apple Watch were left behind at the house. Investigators also discovered that the home’s doorbell camera had been removed. Technology recovered during the investigation produced only limited information: partial footage showing a masked man carrying a gun and an incomplete DNA sample that does not match any profile in federal databases.

Detectives are also examining whether there was a disruption to power or internet service around the time she disappeared. A nearby utility box that appeared suspicious was checked but ultimately ruled out as the cause.

The lack of answers has left Guthrie’s family facing a situation often described as “ambiguous loss,” a term used when someone disappears without clear evidence of what happened. In these cases, families are left without closure because there is no confirmation of death or recovery of the missing person. Experts say this type of loss is particularly difficult because it leaves questions that may never be resolved. While kidnappings can lead to this kind of uncertainty, it can also occur in situations involving runaways, natural disasters, war, or illnesses like dementia, when a loved one becomes mentally unrecognizable to family members.

A reward totaling more than $1.2 million has been offered for information that could help solve the case. The Guthrie family is asking anyone who may know something to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.