Published February 17, 2026
The family of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie has been formally cleared of any suspicion in the disappearance of their mother, 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, as the search for the missing woman enters its third week.
In a strongly worded statement on Monday, Feb. 16, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the family’s status directly, aiming to quash rampant speculation that has swirled since Nancy was allegedly kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona, home in the early morning hours of Feb. 1.
“To be clear … the Guthrie family — to include all siblings and spouses — has been cleared as possible suspects,” Nanos stated. He emphasized that the family has been “nothing but cooperative and gracious” and stressed that they are victims in this case.
The Sheriff did not mince words when addressing the rumors and media scrutiny the family has faced. “To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel,” his statement continued. “The Guthrie family are victims plain and simple … please, I’m begging you the media to honor your profession and report with some sense of compassion and professionalism.”
While authorities never officially named the family as suspects, speculation intensified after a search warrant was executed at the home of Savannah’s sister, Annie Guthrie, and her husband, Tommaso Cioni. The investigation took a significant turn when the Pima County Sheriff’s office confirmed to PEOPLE on Feb. 13 that DNA not belonging to Nancy or her family members was collected at the property.
As the investigation continues, here’s what we know about the case:
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The Disappearance: Nancy Guthrie was last seen after being dropped off at her home by family members on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 31. Officials believe she was abducted by a masked, hooded figure captured on her doorbell camera in the early morning hours of Sunday, Feb. 1.
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Key Evidence: Investigators are working to identify the unknown DNA found at the scene. Additionally, a glove discovered about two miles from Nancy’s home “appears to match” the gloves worn by the intruder in the doorbell footage, according to the FBI.
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Ransom Demands: The investigation has been complicated by the receipt of alleged ransom notes, which have been sent to both local and national media outlets.
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The Family’s Plea: On Feb. 7, Savannah and her siblings released an emotional video on Instagram, directly appealing to anyone with information. “We will pay,” they stated firmly, pleading for their mother’s safe return.
Savannah Guthrie has been absent from her co-anchor chair at the Today show for the past two weeks, remaining in Arizona with her family as the search for their mother continues. The Sheriff’s latest statement reinforces that they are focused on finding Nancy, not investigating her loved ones.
