Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanished from her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson, Arizona, between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, January 31.
Her family reported her missing the following day at noon.
Nancy’s age and serious health conditions make the situation especially urgent, as she requires daily medication.
As a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent and Crisis Negotiator, I’ve spent 25 years tracking down missing persons, from children to high-risk adults.
In cases like Nancy’s, every hour truly counts.
A Crime Scene Raises Immediate Concerns
What makes this case stand out is how authorities are treating it.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos made a clear statement on Monday: “We do in fact have a crime scene; we do in fact have a crime.”
When a sheriff publicly calls a missing person case a crime scene, it’s not conjecture.
Forensic evidence already points to foul play.
Sheriff Nanos didn’t mince words: he used phrases like “grave concern” and highlighted that involving homicide detectives this early is unusual.
Normally, homicide teams only enter after a confirmed death.
Initial reports suggest Nancy may have been taken directly from her bed, hinting at a sudden, forced removal.
Clues Left Behind at the House
Inside Nancy’s home, several personal items were left untouched: her purse, phone, keys, glasses, and medications—all things she would never leave behind voluntarily.
Investigators also reportedly found blood inside the property, signaling possible violence.
Although the front door was unlocked, there were signs of forced entry, including damage to locks and door frames.
Detectives are likely combing through every corner for additional evidence—overturned furniture, broken items, or any traces that could indicate resistance.
Digital Evidence and Community Involvement
Beyond the physical scene, authorities are gathering digital leads.
That includes messages, emails, and online searches to build a complete picture of Nancy’s final hours.
Sheriff Nanos has mobilized a massive search effort: drones with infrared sensors, helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, K-9 units borrowed from Customs and Border Protection, search-and-rescue teams, and local volunteers.
Multiple agencies are involved, including the FBI and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, along with the homicide team processing the crime scene.
Canvassing Neighbors and Building Timelines
Detectives are knocking on doors throughout the neighborhood, asking residents if they saw anything unusual: unfamiliar cars, arguments, or suspicious activity on the night Nancy disappeared.
They’re also requesting access to home security cameras—Ring, Nest, and other systems in the area could hold crucial clues.
Traffic cameras, business surveillance, ATMs, and gas station cameras are also under review.
Every movement—who came and went, what vehicles were present—is being charted to establish a timeline.
So far, authorities do not have the “smoking gun” video that could break the case open.
Investigating Everyone in Nancy’s Life
Family members are being interviewed to understand Nancy’s daily routines and relationships.
Investigators are asking tough questions: Who had access to the house? Were there conflicts or disputes? Financial concerns? Who knew she lived alone?
The aim is to identify anyone who might have had a motive to harm her.
In cases involving older adults living alone, the pool of suspects can include caregivers, neighbors, or opportunistic criminals.
Expanding the Search
Nancy couldn’t have gone far on her own, so investigators are extending their search outward.
Teams are scouring adjacent properties, desert areas, washes, ravines, and even bodies of water.
Infrared drones can detect body heat even through thick brush, increasing the chances of locating her if she’s outside.
Family Faces the Agony of Uncertainty
Savannah Guthrie, speaking through the Today Show, shared her family’s heartache:
“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support.
Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”
Families in these situations live in constant terror and uncertainty.
Each phone call or knock on the door brings hope and fear in equal measure.
And when homicide detectives are involved before a body is found, the family understands the stakes.
Every Detail Could Make the Difference
Investigators are following the evidence, methodically, without assumptions.
Sheriff Nanos knows that time is critical, which is why he’s appealing to the community for tips: “Step up and start giving us calls.”
Sometimes, a single overlooked video, a memory of a car driving slowly, or a tiny piece of information can crack a case wide open.
With the combination of dedicated law enforcement, technology, and community support, there is still hope for Nancy’s safe return.
