The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie took a dramatic turn Wednesday night, as the FBI joined local authorities in Tucson, Arizona, ramping up the investigation into her sudden disappearance.
The retiree vanished on Saturday evening after being dropped off at her Arizona home by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, who remains the last known person to see her.
Tucson Homes Become Centers of Investigation
After initially returning the $1 million adobe-style house to the Guthrie family on Tuesday, law enforcement quickly reversed course.
On Wednesday night, a Pima County Sheriff’s Department pickup truck arrived along with two carloads of FBI agents.
The home was taped off, K-9 units were brought in, and investigators were still working inside late into the evening.
At the same time, another team of agents visited the home of Annie Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s sister, collecting equipment including what appeared to be a tripod and lighting gear before returning inside.
Federal Experts Brought In
The uptick in activity coincided with the arrival of a detective from an online child protection unit.
Identified by his t-shirt bearing the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force insignia, he met with the family to discuss any potential digital leads.
The FBI has also reportedly brought in outside specialists, including hostage negotiation experts, to support the ongoing search.
Until this week, the case had been managed solely by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which escalated its response once it became clear that Nancy may have been abducted.
Signs of Struggle at Guthrie Home
Investigators have found unsettling signs at Nancy’s residence in the affluent Catalina Foothills neighborhood.
Her Ring doorbell was removed, and a blood splatter was discovered near the entrance.
Personal items such as her phone, wallet, and car were left behind, while her Apple Watch stopped syncing with her pacemaker around 2 a.m., suggesting she was taken around that time.
Looking Into Fan Interactions
Authorities are now examining the possibility that Nancy’s disappearance could be linked to Savannah Guthrie’s superfans.
Investigators have asked NBC if any fan interactions could be relevant, reflecting concerns that her public profile may have played a role.
Potential Links to Earlier Trespassing
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is also investigating whether the disappearance is connected to a trespassing incident in January.
A neighbor reported a suspicious individual on his property who fled after triggering motion-sensor floodlights, though no description of the person was captured.
Police are collecting security footage from surrounding homes and are on the lookout for a vehicle of interest.
Ransom and Safety Considerations
Authorities have not confirmed a ransom demand but are considering all possibilities.
No suspects have been identified, and police maintain there is no threat to the general public.
Sheriff and Federal Support Offer Hope
Sheriff Chris Nanos remains hopeful that Nancy is alive, telling NBC, “We have nothing else to go on but the belief that she is here.
She’s present. She’s alive, and we want to save her.”
He emphasized that all incoming tips are being taken seriously and shared with the FBI.
In addition, President Donald Trump announced extra federal support for the search and personally reached out to Savannah Guthrie to offer words of encouragement, describing the situation as “terrible” but expressing confidence that authorities will locate her mother.
Ongoing Investigation
With FBI resources now involved, specialized investigators on site, and federal support added, authorities continue to comb through evidence, gather neighbor footage, and follow every lead in the search for Nancy Guthrie.
While answers remain scarce, law enforcement is working tirelessly to bring clarity and safety back to the Guthrie family.
