Ongoing Search for Missing 84-Year-Old Mother of Today Co-Anchor
Investigation into Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance Continues
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of Today, has now reached its 24th day. Authorities are conducting what they describe as a comprehensive, multi-agency investigation, yet no significant developments have been reported. Nancy was last seen on January 31 at her residence in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson, Arizona. Her absence from a scheduled church service the next morning prompted her family to alert the authorities. The Pima County Sheriff's Department, in collaboration with the FBI and other agencies, has classified the case as a potential abduction from the beginning.
Evidence collected at the scene includes blood traces believed to belong to Nancy and security footage showing a masked figure approaching her home. Investigators have sifted through over 40,000 tips, conducting ground searches, examining surveillance footage, and analyzing forensic evidence, including DNA that does not match Nancy's.
As the investigation continues into its fourth week, speculation has surged online and in some media outlets, with unverified claims regarding a possible life insurance policy surfacing. Some discussions suggest that a significant policy, sometimes claimed to be worth millions, could imply a financial motive. However, law enforcement has not confirmed the existence of such a policy nor indicated that it is a focus of their investigation.
Authorities have consistently stated that Nancy's family, including her daughter and siblings, have been cleared of any suspicion and have been cooperative throughout the process. They have urged the public to avoid baseless speculation that could add to the family's distress. Experts in security have pointed out that kidnappings for ransom are uncommon in the U.S., especially for individuals without specific risk factors. One expert mentioned that kidnapping insurance, which differs from standard life insurance, would be rare in situations like Nancy's, although no details about any personal policies have been made public.
The family has made several public appeals for Nancy's safe return, including videos requesting proof of life and expressing a willingness to communicate with those who may have her. However, authorities have not confirmed any verified proof of life.
