The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has taken another heartbreaking and deeply alarming turn. In a stunning update from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, investigators have located Nancy’s last known bag of essential medications approximately 20 kilometers (about 12.4 miles) away from her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson, Arizona. The discovery has intensified fears for her survival, as authorities have repeatedly warned that she requires daily life-sustaining medication—without it, her conditions (including high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and cardiac issues) could become fatal within 24–48 hours.
This find has shifted the investigation’s urgency even further, with officials describing the situation as “critical” and pleading for any additional tips that could lead to her location. The bag—described as a duffel or personal medication carrier—was found in a remote or semi-rural area, far from the residence where she was believed to have been taken against her will on the night of January 31, 2026, or early February 1. The exact circumstances of how and why the medication bag ended up so far away remain under wraps, but it strongly suggests deliberate movement or disposal by whoever removed Nancy from her home.
Shocking Crime Scene Revelations
Even more disturbing are the emerging details from the crime scene at Nancy’s home, which authorities now say paint a picture far more violent and chaotic than initially disclosed. While the property was processed and later released back to the family, fresh examinations and media footage have highlighted:
Visible blood trails — Droplets, smears, and spatter were documented both inside the home and outside the front door, leading across the porch and toward the walkway or driveway. NewsNation captured video showing apparent dark blood spots on the tiled entryway, visible even after the scene was cleared. Sources have confirmed a small amount of blood indoors as well, though its origin (Nancy’s or another’s) is still being analyzed through DNA testing.
Signs of struggle and forced entry — Multiple reports, including from the Associated Press and CBS News, confirm forced entry at the residence. A back door was found wide open, and exterior security cameras (including a Ring doorbell device) were smashed, ripped off, or tampered with—potentially to blind the system during the incident.
Multiple footprints — More than two distinct sets of footprints outside the home continue to suggest several individuals may have been involved, raising questions about whether this was a coordinated effort.
Missing personal items — Notably, Nancy’s duffel bag of medications was taken along with her, while her wallet, cellphone, keys, purse, and vehicle remained behind—ruling out a voluntary exit or typical robbery.
The discovery of the medication bag 20 km away adds a chilling layer: it implies the perpetrator(s) carried or transported it (and likely Nancy) a significant distance, then discarded or abandoned the bag—perhaps in a panic, to dispose of evidence, or after realizing its life-or-death importance. This has led some experts to speculate that the abductor(s) may not have intended to keep her alive long-term, or that the bag was separated from her during transit.
Timeline and Investigation Status
Nancy was last seen around 9:30–9:45 p.m. on January 31 after dinner with family, including her daughter Annie Guthrie (Savannah’s older sister), who dropped her off. She failed to attend church the next day, prompting family to search and contact authorities around noon on February 1. The FBI joined the probe early, with searches involving helicopters, drones, K9 units, and ground teams across the rugged desert terrain.
Previous developments—including alleged ransom notes sent to media outlets (demanding millions in Bitcoin and containing eerily accurate details about her clothing and home interior)—remain under review, though authorities have not confirmed their legitimacy or linked them to any suspect. No arrests have been made, and the sheriff’s office has repeatedly stated no suspect or person of interest has been publicly identified, despite earlier speculation (including reports about son-in-law Tommaso Cioni).
Sheriff Chris Nanos has been emotional in briefings, urging whoever has Nancy to “let her go” and emphasizing her vulnerability: “We do in fact have a crime scene… she did not leave on her own.” He has appealed for the public to stop spreading unverified information, as it hinders progress.
Family Anguish and Broader Impact
Savannah Guthrie remains off-air, having withdrawn from Today show duties (including Olympics coverage) to support her family. She has shared heartfelt messages asking for prayers, describing the ordeal as “heartbreaking.” Annie Guthrie and Tommaso Cioni have been spotted appearing distressed in public, cooperating with investigators who visited their nearby home.
The case has gripped the nation, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly individuals living alone, the importance of medical needs in missing persons cases, and the terror of suspected abductions in quiet, affluent communities. With the medication bag now found discarded far from home, time is running out—every hour without her meds heightens the risk.
Authorities continue to follow all leads and urge anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. A reward of up to $2,500 is offered for tips leading to an arrest. Amid this shocking twist, the desperate hope remains that Nancy Guthrie will be found alive and returned safely to her family.
