🚨 BREAKING UPDATE: Security System Manually Disabled at 12:50 AM – Detectives Say Someone Knew the Code; DNA Evidence Provides Major Breakthrough in Nancy Guthrie Abduction Case
The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has taken another dramatic turn. Pima County Sheriff’s Department detectives now confirm that the home security alarm system at Nancy’s Catalina Foothills residence was manually disabled—not due to a malfunction—at exactly 12:50 AM on Sunday, February 1, 2026. This precise timing, occurring in the dead of night, strongly suggests the perpetrator(s) had intimate knowledge of the alarm code, pointing toward someone familiar with the household or who obtained access to the credentials.
This revelation escalates the case from a suspected abduction to one with clear signs of premeditation and insider information. Combined with previously reported DNA evidence collected from the scene, authorities believe these elements are pivotal in identifying who entered the home and removed Nancy against her will. While full details of the DNA findings remain closely guarded to protect the integrity of the investigation, sources indicate samples were analyzed swiftly, with results providing critical leads rather than dead ends. Earlier reports noted DNA was sent to a Phoenix crime lab for processing, potentially yielding a profile that could match a suspect.
Nancy Guthrie was last confirmed safe at her home around 9:30–9:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026, after family members dropped her off following dinner. Living alone in the upscale Tucson-area neighborhood, she requires essential daily medication—without which her health could deteriorate rapidly—and has limited physical mobility (able to walk roughly 50 yards unassisted). Despite these challenges, Sheriff Chris Nanos has repeatedly emphasized that Nancy is “sharp as a tack” with no cognitive issues like dementia, ruling out any voluntary wandering.
The 911 call came around noon Sunday after Nancy missed her regular church service, prompting family—including Savannah—to check on her. Upon arrival, they found no sign of her, though her phone, wallet, car, and other belongings remained inside. Lights were on in common areas, the front door unlocked, but the scene raised immediate alarms: signs of forced entry (despite conflicting details on the door), blood traces (described in some accounts as a light drip trail leading from the home toward the driveway), and now the confirmed manual disablement of the security system at 12:50 AM.
This overnight window aligns with prior investigative focus on a brief timeframe—possibly as narrow as 17 minutes—for her removal, potentially tied to a short power outage or other means to avoid detection. The alarm disablement at 12:50 AM suggests the intruder acted deliberately during quiet hours when Nancy was likely asleep, exploiting knowledge of the code to enter silently without triggering alerts. Security cameras are present, but authorities have faced challenges accessing or recovering usable footage, possibly due to the system being tampered with or powered down during the incident.
Sheriff Nanos, in recent statements, has not shied away from the abduction theory: “I believe she was abducted, yes. She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly.” Homicide detectives were involved early due to the “very concerning” scene, even without a body present—a non-standard but justified step given the evidence. Multi-agency support continues, including the FBI for potential kidnapping aspects, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (given Arizona’s proximity to the border), and local search teams (though active ground searches have shifted to forensic priorities).
No suspects have been publicly named, and no motive disclosed. However, the manual code entry raises questions: Was this someone known to Nancy or the family? Did they obtain the code through prior access, social engineering, or other means? The DNA breakthrough could be key—whether it belongs to an unknown individual, confirming an outsider, or ties back to someone in the circle.
Savannah Guthrie remains in Arizona with family, focusing entirely on the search for her mother’s safe return. She has shared emotional appeals: “Please pray… We need you. Bring her home.” The Today show has covered the case prominently, with Savannah stepping back from duties—including planned Winter Olympics hosting—to support the effort. A $2,500 reward via 88-CRIME and the active tip line (520-351-4900) underscore the urgency.
The Catalina Foothills community, typically peaceful with its desert vistas and luxury homes, remains on edge. Neighbors continue reviewing surveillance footage for any unusual activity around 12:50 AM or overnight. This case highlights risks to elderly residents living independently, even with security measures in place.
Time remains critical due to Nancy’s medication needs. Authorities and the public urge anyone with information—especially regarding the alarm code, suspicious persons near the home that night, or related details—to come forward immediately. Every lead could make the difference.
As of February 4, 2026, the investigation presses on with heightened intensity. Prayers and support pour in nationwide for Nancy’s swift, safe return amid these chilling new revelations.
