Nancy Guthrie’s Family Cleared as Search for US Journo's Mother Enters Third Week
Police in Arizona have confirmed that the family of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been cleared as possible suspects in her disappearance.
The announcement comes as the search for the missing woman enters its third week, amid growing social media speculation about her whereabouts.
“The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious, and they are victims in this case,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel.”
Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC News that the statement was necessary because members of the public had been “attacking the innocent.” He added in a text message that “kindness matters” and emphasized that “it is every cop’s duty to stand up and be a voice for our victims.”
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing in the early hours of February 1. Authorities confirmed that blood was found on the porch of her home. Doorbell camera footage captured a masked man wearing gloves and carrying a backpack as he left the residence with Guthrie.
After reviewing the video, the FBI said last week that the suspect is estimated to be 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches (175–177 cm) tall, with an average build. Investigators believe the mask and backpack may have been purchased at a Walmart, and law enforcement has contacted stores to trace potential buyers.
Authorities are also analyzing a glove found at the scene, which appears to match the gloves worn by the suspect. A DNA profile of an unknown male has been created and entered into a national FBI database to identify any matches from previous arrests.
Savannah Guthrie has released a video plea urging anyone with information about her mother’s location to come forward. She emphasized that the family “still has hope” for Nancy’s safe return.
In the two weeks since her disappearance, local and federal authorities have conducted an extensive search using helicopters, sniffer dogs, and hundreds of officers, following thousands of tips. A search warrant was executed on a nearby residence last Friday, though no arrests were made.
Investigators are now employing advanced technology to locate Guthrie, including a “signal sniffer” mounted on a helicopter to detect signals from her pacemaker, sources told CBS News.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31 when a family member dropped her off at her home after a visit to her other daughter Annie Guthrie’s residence. Members of her church reported her absence the following day, prompting the search.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Office.
