The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, continues to unfold as one of the most perplexing and high-profile missing persons cases in recent memory. Authorities in Pima County, Arizona, have now confirmed a significant new detail: the presence of more than two distinct footprints outside Nancy Guthrie’s home in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood near Tucson. This revelation strongly suggests that multiple individuals were present at or around the time of her disappearance, intensifying speculation about the nature of the suspected abduction.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, after being dropped off at her residence near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue following dinner with family members. She failed to attend church the next day, prompting family to search the property and contact authorities around noon on February 1. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, under Sheriff Chris Nanos, quickly designated the home a crime scene, citing evidence that Nancy was taken against her will. The FBI has joined the effort, with extensive searches involving drones, helicopters, K9 units, and ground teams scouring the surrounding desert terrain.

The Footprint Evidence: A Key Development

The latest update centers on forensic analysis of the exterior grounds. Investigators have identified multiple sets of distinct footprints outside the home—specifically, more than two separate patterns. Officials have not released exact numbers, shoe sizes, or impressions (such as tread types), but the confirmation of several unique footprints points to the involvement of at least two or more people during the critical overnight window when Nancy vanished.

This detail builds on earlier findings, including:

Signs of forced entry at the residence.
A blood trail or droplets documented outside the front door and on the porch (some media outlets captured video footage showing what appears to be blood splatter and smears leading away from the entrance).
The Ring doorbell camera (or similar security device) was reportedly ripped off or tampered with, potentially to eliminate visual evidence.
Nancy’s personal belongings—her wallet, cellphone, keys, vehicle, purse, and daily medications—remained inside, ruling out a voluntary departure or simple theft.

The footprints add weight to the abduction theory, as Nancy’s limited mobility (due to age, a pacemaker, and other health conditions) makes it highly unlikely she could have left on her own without assistance. The presence of multiple impressions suggests coordinated action—possibly one person handling removal while others acted as lookouts, restrained her, or managed the scene.

Sheriff Nanos has previously stated that Nancy was “physically removed from that home against her will” and emphasized that she “did not leave on her own.” In recent briefings, he has reiterated that the case is being treated as a suspected abduction, though he has cautioned against speculation and unverified claims circulating online. Notably, earlier press conferences addressed questions about tire tracks or footprints, with officials indicating none were immediately apparent in certain areas—but the new confirmation of multiple distinct sets outside the property marks a shift.

Timeline and Critical Hours

The abduction is believed to have occurred sometime between late evening on January 31 and early morning on February 1. Key elements include:

Nancy was dropped off around 9:30–9:45 p.m.
Security cameras or systems showed gaps or disruptions during overnight hours (consistent with prior reports of a ~16-minute window where exterior views went dark or were compromised).
Some sources have referenced device data (e.g., an Apple Watch or pacemaker monitor) potentially last active around 2 a.m., though this remains unconfirmed officially.
Family discovered her absence the next day after she missed church.

The multiple footprints align with theories of premeditation, as the perpetrator(s) appear to have navigated the property without leaving obvious vehicle tracks in some reported areas, possibly exploiting the dark, low-light conditions due to local light pollution ordinances.

Broader Investigation and Leads

No arrests have been made, and no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly named. Sheriff Nanos has stressed that investigators are pursuing hundreds of leads, including interviews with anyone who had recent contact with Nancy. DNA samples collected from the home are being processed, with some results starting to return but nothing conclusive yet tying to an individual.

Other ongoing elements include:

Ransom notes — Multiple alleged demands (including Bitcoin requests and specific details about Nancy’s clothing) have been received by media and authorities. The FBI is analyzing their authenticity; at least one was forwarded to Savannah Guthrie for review.
Digital evidence — Cellphone records, potential home security footage (despite tampering), and neighbor cameras are under review. The case has spotlighted digital privacy risks for elderly individuals.
Searches — Efforts continue in the rugged Catalina Foothills and surrounding areas, though focus has shifted toward forensic and interview work.

Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information, warning that false accusations can hinder progress. The high-profile nature of the case—tied to Savannah Guthrie’s celebrity—has amplified national attention but also fueled rampant online speculation.

Impact and Calls for Resolution

Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from her Today show duties, including Olympics coverage, to support her family. She and relatives have expressed deep concern and gratitude for the massive law enforcement response. The case has also raised broader discussions about elder vulnerability, caregiver support, and the need for robust home security in quiet, affluent areas.

With Nancy requiring daily life-sustaining medication, time remains critical. The confirmation of multiple footprints outside the home suggests this was not a lone act but one involving several people—raising urgent questions about who they were, why they targeted her, and where she is now.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. As the investigation intensifies, the hope remains that these chilling clues will lead to Nancy’s safe return and answers for a grieving family.