Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos opened up about the harrowing moment that the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today star Savannah Guthrie, turned from a missing person's case to something much darker.
Nancy was reported missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on February 1, and was last seen by her daughter, Annie Guthrie, and her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni. The sheriff shared with People that he was alerted about Nancy's disappearance around 2 p.m. on February 1, roughly two hours after authorities arrived at her property.
Just minutes later, the policeman texted him that the scene "doesn't look right, something is wrong…we're calling homicide".
Nancy has been missing since February 1
"The reason that homicide was called is because they are the investigative unit in charge of missing persons," he explained. "Search and rescue is their operational team that helps assist with these issues."
Authorities found blood droplets on Nancy's front porch that matched her DNA, as well as a mixed sample containing DNA from more than one person, which is currently being studied. "Every day our DNA labs are working with our investigators, and they're coming up with different ideas and different thoughts of how to help them make this DNA work for us," Nanos said.
31 January 2026
Nancy Guthrie is last seen on Saturday night when her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, drops her home in the Catalina Foothills at around 9:48 pm.
1 February 2026
A masked individual disconnects a doorbell camera at Nancy’s home at 1:47 am.
Software detects further motion roughly 25 minutes later. At 2:28 am, Nancy’s pacemaker app disconnects from her phone, suggesting she is moved out of range.
Later that morning, a friend contacts the Guthrie family after Nancy fails to appear for church.
Relatives arrive at the property just before noon and notify the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Police arrive at 12:15pm and determine Nancy is missing under "concerning" circumstances.
2 February 2026
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirms a shift in the investigation, stating: "I believe she was abducted."
3 February 2026
Authorities begin analysing a ransom note received by media outlets, which contains specific details about Nancy’s clothing.
The note demands a payment in Bitcoin for her safe return.
Police also investigate drops of blood found outside the front door, which are later confirmed to be Nancy's.
4 February 2026
Savannah Guthrie releases a video with her two siblings pleading for her mother's return. She states the family is "ready to talk" and wants proof of life.
5 February 2026
Sheriff Chris Nanos holds a press conference, stating: "We believe Nancy is still out there."
The FBI announces a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or the conviction of those involved.
6 February 2026
A second ransom message is sent to KOLD, the CBS affiliate in Tucson.
7 February 2026
Savannah releases another video aimed at the abductors, stating: "We will pay" for Nancy’s safe return.
10 February 2026
Surveillance images are released showing a masked person wearing a backpack and gloves at Nancy's door.
A subject is later detained and questioned.
11 February 2026
The person of interest is released from custody without charge.
12 February 2026
The FBI releases the first physical description of the suspect and doubles the reward to $100,000.
A pair of black gloves is found near Nancy’s home.
15 February 2026
Testing suggests the black gloves found nearby appear to match those seen in the surveillance video.
16 February 2026
All members of the Guthrie family and their spouses are officially cleared as suspects.
17 February 2026
Tests show no DNA match for the "unknown male" on the gloves within the national database.
24 February 2026
Savannah announces the family is offering an additional $1 million for information.
4 March 2026
The Sheriff’s Department confirms the black gloves actually belong to a restaurant worker and are unrelated to the case.
25 March 2026
Savannah gives her first interview since the disappearance, saying: "We are in agony."
27 March 2026
Savannah confirms to co-host Hoda Kotb that she will return to the Today show on 6 April.
6 April 2026
Savannah returns to the Today show desk.
7 May 2026
Human bones are found near Nancy's home.
A spokesperson later confirms the find is "not criminal in nature," identifying it as part of a prehistoric anthropological investigation.
10 May 2026
Savannah shares a heartbreaking Mother’s Day tribute, marking nearly 100 days since Nancy went missing.
"How can we do more with what we have? And so that's why I say it is – I think we're getting closer." The sheriff assured that his team was "doing a good job" and was going to solve the case, declaring, "I fully, 100% believe that."
The sheriff shared that the case took a turn two hours after authorities arrived on the scene
Nanos also spoke on the Pima County Board of Supervisors' decision not to remove him from office on May 12, explaining that his department could stand to improve in several areas. "I listened to the board, I agree, and they said the department, it was a mess," he told People. "And sometimes you have to just sit back and listen. That's my job. I plan to get a hold of my department. It's just that this has gone on for quite some time."
See Savannah's Mother's Day tribute below...
WATCH: Savannah Guthrie shares a tribute on her first Mother's Day without Nancy
"As the sheriff – it's my job, not my employees, not my labor groups – it's my job to find a resolution and fix the divisiveness within my department. Nobody else's."
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The sheriff's assurances come just days after Nancy's daughter, TV personality Savannah Guthrie, shared a heartbreaking Mother's Day tribute to the 84-year-old and pleaded for information on her whereabouts.
Nanos declared that authorities were getting closer to answers every day
"Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie – we miss you with every breath. We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you," she wrote in the caption, alongside a video of Nancy and her family over the years. "We need help. Someone knows something that can make the difference. Call 1800CALLFBI. You can be anonymous, and the reward remains available. Please keep praying. Bring her home," she concluded.
Savannah shared a heartwrenching tribute to her mother on Sunday
Savannah's famous friends and colleagues took to the comment section to share their support, with David Muir writing: "We're all with you, Savannah," while Hoda Kotb added: "I love you SG…Bring her home."
Craig Melvin shared: "Our ceaseless prayers continue," and Dylan Dreyer wrote: "Thinking of you and I continue to pray every day," while Sheinelle Jones chimed in: "Sending you all of my love…and yes, still praying, always."
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