Sheriff Believes Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Is Still Alive as Ransom Note Is Investigated
The sheriff of the Arizona county where NBC host Savannah Guthrie’s mother went missing says he believes the 84-year-old woman is still alive, as investigators continue to examine an alleged ransom note sent to news organizations.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos made the remarks in an interview that aired Wednesday on NBC’s Today, saying investigators are operating under the presumption that Nancy Guthrie is still alive.
“We have nothing else to go on but the belief that she is here,” Nanos said. “She's present. She's alive, and we want to save her.”
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night (Jan. 31) at her home in Tucson, Ariz. She has no cognitive issues but needs to take medication daily, or “it could be fatal,” Nanos told NBC News.
Individuals with tips are asked to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Office (520-351-4900).
“The leads we’ve got coming in are critical to us,” Nanos said. “They’re valuable, and we’re sharing those with the FBI and others.”
Savannah Guthrie is the co-anchor of Today.
Nanos told NBC News that law enforcement officials believe the woman was taken from her home against her will.
“I think she was abducted,” Nanos said. “When you’re taken from your bed, and you don’t want to go somewhere, that’s an abduction.”
He added that law enforcement officials “saw some things at the home that were concerning to us” – and that they’re also examining security footage.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing after she didn’t show up for church Sunday morning. A source told CNN that her pacemaker last transmitted a signal to her iPhone around 2 a.m. Sunday. Her iPhone was left in her house.
Three media outlets – TMZ and Tucson stations KOLD and KGUN – reported receiving a ransom note demanding millions of dollars in bitcoin for her safe return. The sheriff’s department has not confirmed the note’s legitimacy.
“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” the agency said. “We are taking all tips and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”
Savannah Guthrie, who has been public about her faith throughout the years, requested prayer.
“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him,” she wrote on Instagram. “Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. we need you.”
She cited a verse from Isaiah 26:3: “He will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.”
“Bring her home,” the NBC host added.
Related Article
Today' Show Host Savannah Guthrie's Mother Reported Missing, Police Declare Home a Crime Scene
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images / Jan Sonnenmair / Stringer
Michael Foust has covered the intersection of faith and news for 20 years. His stories have appeared in Baptist Press, Christianity Today, The Christian Post, the Leaf-Chronicle, the Toronto Star and the Knoxville News-Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's Podcast! He is the host of Crosswalk Talk, a podcast where he talks with Christian movie stars, musicians, directors, and more. Hear how famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian movies, books, television, and other entertainment. You can find Crosswalk Talk on LifeAudio.com, or subscribe on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an interview that will be sure to encourage your faith.
Originally published February 04, 2026.
