AZ Nancy Guthrie, 84, (mother of TODAY Show host Savannah Guthrie) missing - last seen in the Catalina foothills area on Jan 31, 2026

[nhmemorymaker]

As I stated in another comment, in the SIL theory, this church phone call was a major problem in the cover up. They had to respond and get the police involved much sooner than they had hoped. So they had to scramble and re think the plan.

yes, yes.
This call CAN be verified. True, they don't have to tell us..... but we know they do say things to calm the swelling public reactions.
Any new press conference will be flooded with questions about "the church lady" (just a little funny)

But IF they are leaning towards AG and TC.... they probably WOULD have to keep this to themselves.
It is just such a significant piece of the case.

 

[Tortoise]

I don’t think the kidnapping and ransom are related at all, but I don’t have any evidence other than my own opinion. Why would they wait to release their demands instead of providing that soon after N was discovered missing? I also question why provide two deadlines? I think someone else saw an opportunity and acted on it.

In that theory they were not kidnapping her, it morphed into a new plan.

It belatedly seemed like a better idea because no one would be looking for a body.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Do you have a source? Honestly NG having POA over SIL property does not make
sense.

this has been corrected. AG had the POA, at the time of home purchase.

(I have to go find the link for this.... sorry)

 

[nhmemorymaker]

Just doing some Googling, I just came across something I was not familiar with. I had no idea SG had been married before, prior to her current marriage. I guess I haven't heard it mentioned before.

I'm wondering if---LE is checking out everyone way way way back when in all of the children's lives. Former boyfriends/spouses, former classmates, etc.

Who would have the means and motivation to kidnap NG?

SG has talked about her first husband..quite a bit.
Her divorce was very hard on her, and she has been quite open about it.

He is a public journalist as well, so I think all is good with that relationship being in the past.
(unlike the recent case of you know who!!!dd)

of course,moo

 

[sds71]

NBC correspondent Tom Winter then joined Melvin and Kotb to break down the significance of the video, pointing out that there was no mention of the Monday deadline that was included in one of the unsubstantiated ransom notes, nor did they ask for proof of life.

“So when you look at this video, you say, what was in that second note?” Winter said. “I have not personally seen it, but it does appear that there’s been a shift here, at least a shift in messaging, so we note that.”

Melvin, Kotb, Carson Daly and Al Roker also took time during the show to address the unusual nature of having to report on their co-worker and friend’s missing mother.

“Our ‘Today’ family continues to navigate uncharted territory, balancing the updates on the search for Savannah’s mom with all the other stories of the day, like we normally do,” Melvin said. “But we know things are far from normal right now, so folks we are asking for your grace as we continue to do this.”

Hoda Kotb Back on ‘Today’ as Co-Anchor While Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Remains Missing: ‘We Are a Family’ and ‘We Show Up for Each Other’

Hoda Kotb joined "Today" again on Monday morning — this time as a co-anchor — as Savannah Guthrie's mother remains missing.

variety.com

 

[OldCop]

Thank you. So not only the NYT (which is quite reputable) has stated this as recently as yesterday, we have an "official" document dated (February 5) relaying that a church attendee called Nancy's family when she was noticed to be absent.

It makes sense that a church attendee would call family if they noticed Nancy was unusually absent. That is just being a good fellow perishoner checking to see if all is well.

I agree. And aside from attending church services for obvious religious reasons, for many seniors, it is a way to socialize. She may belong to a church group or her church may have a coffee hour after the service. If she had a group of friends from church, they would definitely notice her absence and, knowing she lived alone, it would not be unusual for someone to call a family member to let them know or to inquire after her.

 

[K9Enzo]

I mentioned before — why didn’t we see dogs doing scent trail or cadaver dogs? Is there a reason that maybe we aren’t aware of? What would be a scenario that they wouldn’t try and do a scent trail?

Also, I know we know the times of the garage opening and closing but is there an alert at the front door around that time? Not her going in but someone coming out if she was walked inside or the car driving by the front door to drop her off? I know mine alerts for a car in the front. But maybe this is just something we don’t know or is insignificant.

Going back to the beginning and the basics because I think there are some subtle clues into things LE have done or not done.

Do we know the blood is 100% hers? Is it her type or her DNA? Do we know that she absolutely made it home that night even?

In the early days of this investigation it was mentioned that US Border Patrol was assisting. They have highly skilled man trackers and I cannot stress this enough, outstanding tracking dogs of many disciplines. I'm assuming, before this story started gaining major nationwide news traction w/ news drones in the air, dogs were out there in the early hours. It appears the ground search around NG home and neighborhood was paused early on. I assumed because they knew this was not someone who wandered off, or was transported through any outdoor terrain. IMO

 

[shonyakay]

Could be. I just don't understand why media hasn't reported if either of them have been brought in for questioning. I would think they'd have been grilled over and over by now. Isn't media also camped out at the LE headquarters?

One thing is for sure, neither one has been detained. The Pima County Sheriff's office website hides their roster but you can search a last name. Neither Guthrie or the SIL's last name comes up.

 

[Sadi]

do we know who called 911? do we know that SIL was the one who went over to check after the church call?

No, those details have not been confirmed. I think it was said TC drove N home, but then was revised to family.

 

[Bison]

NBC correspondent Tom Winter then joined Melvin and Kotb to break down the significance of the video, pointing out that there was no mention of the Monday deadline that was included in one of the unsubstantiated ransom notes, nor did they ask for proof of life.

“So when you look at this video, you say, what was in that second note?” Winter said. “I have not personally seen it, but it does appear that there’s been a shift here, at least a shift in messaging, so we note that.”

Melvin, Kotb, Carson Daly and Al Roker also took time during the show to address the unusual nature of having to report on their co-worker and friend’s missing mother.

“Our ‘Today’ family continues to navigate uncharted territory, balancing the updates on the search for Savannah’s mom with all the other stories of the day, like we normally do,” Melvin said. “But we know things are far from normal right now, so folks we are asking for your grace as we continue to do this.”

Hoda Kotb Back on ‘Today’ as Co-Anchor While Savannah Guthrie’s Mom Remains Missing: ‘We Are a Family’ and ‘We Show Up for Each Other’

Hoda Kotb joined "Today" again on Monday morning — this time as a co-anchor — as Savannah Guthrie's mother remains missing.

variety.com

I think it's telling that there were no statements directly toward their mother in the newest video. I know it's all carefully scripted, but the lack of messages of love and support really stood out to me, as if they already know she's no longer able to hear anything.

 

[tkcrockett]

I think the blood was from when she opened the door and hit.She was likely then pushed inside after that.

are you thinking that she opened the door (from inside), went a step or two outside, something happened to cause the bleeding, she stood there a bit bleeding and cough/sneeze/spit and then went (carry/push/whatever) inside?

 

[oakayfine]

Considering POTUS, he does like to be front and center in many things. No disrespect intended, just my observations.

 

[shonyakay]

I think it's telling that there were no statements directly toward their mother in the newest video. I know it's all carefully scripted, but the lack of messages of love and support really stood out to me, as if they already know she's no longer able to hear anything.

That's a good albeit somber point. In the first appeal SG and AG talked directly to their mother.

 

[connie9030]

Does anyone know who dropped her off, and why so late? I wonder if it was a special celebration. Usually elderly people don’t stay up that late.

@OldCop She could have been in a nightgown or something. We don't know when she actually disappeared

Well, if she was dropped off at 930, then a call came in the next day at noon, she could've changed outfits multiple times by that point (pajamas, new outfit in the morning). They likely can't say with accuracy currently.

That dinner keeps bothering me. Do we know if it was attended only by family or if others attended? Did a guest at the dinner put something in NG's food or drink to make sure she went straight to bed that night and slept soundly? NG may have had mobility problems but don't underestimate the ability of a senior to kick your butt if you put hands on them!

 

[ly502]

Long post, sorry, but I had to get my theory out.

I have suspected all along there were at least two suspects involved - one to restrain NG and the other one to grab the vehicle. The blood splatter IMO suggests NG stood on the porch for a minute before being loaded into a vehicle, and certainly an abductor wouldn’t leave her there alone for that time while they retrieved their car. One suspect stands there with NG, restraining her, while the other drives there to pick them up.

Now here’s where my theory gets wild but hear me out. If we are to assume the SIL is one of these individuals, he cannot be sending the ransom notes since the FBI is literally breathing down his neck. However, the way things are panning out (evidence collection at his home, towed vehicle) it seems he has some part to play. At the same time, the ransom notes seem to provide proof that whoever is sending them also had a part in the crime.

What if the SIL planned this all with someone else? The goal was to collect as much money as possible from the Guthrie family, more than what just inheritance would’ve provided. SIL drove NG home and then returned back to his home. The second suspect went to NG’s property and carried out the abduction. SIL came and picked suspect # 2 and NG up (so no SIL DNA at the scene). They returned to SIL’s house where they harmed NG (so blood evidence at SIL house). Then, when the news all broke, the plan was for the second guy to send the notes with information about the crime scene and extort SG for money (providing a further alibi for SIL because there’s no way he could’ve sent them, and whoever sent them obviously did it). Then, SIL makes off with part of the inheritance and his cut of the eventual ransom and
he’s provided the perfect defense of “look this kidnapper did it for ransom!”

This is all JMO, please don’t come for me.

How could the SIL ever take advantage of the funds even if he were to receive any? Their spending will certainly be examined, any minute change in lifestyle, purchase, etc. If he did it, it almost seems like it would have been out of anger, because she was inserting herself or influencing his wife in some way that was affecting him negatively.

 

[nhmemorymaker]

I believe this abduction was by the cartel. Someone knowing she was wealthy and Savannah was her daughter. From the blood spots on the porch, she was hurt in the abduction. Though they were spots, that’s a lot of blood. She may have tried to fight them. Maybe a knife was used. Sadly, I don’t think she survived this week. The stress, her health, all of that is against her.

The abductor knows how to transfer money using bitcoin. The SIL seems too risky. If he needed money and couldn’t handle his own, would he be smart enough to know how to transfer to bitcoin? This could have been planned by some workers in the neighborhood who are at least owing the cartel and was sizing up the neighborhood. Or could be the cartel working with or forcing the SIL.

The recent video of Savannah and her siblings and the words she used makes me think they know she’s gone and they just want her back for closure. Their stress has to be enormous. The only strange thing is asking her return so they can celebrate with her.

Checking the man hole in the yard is something that should have been done the first day. I truly don’t understand why the LE allowed family or reporters around the crime scene. I’m hoping they didn’t just lock in on the SIL because he is of a bad character.

It is strange to me that neither the SIL, nor Camron’s wife, if he has one, are part of the video asking for her return. But then maybe best to just have the three children handle it.

The cartels are very powerful in Arizona and Texas, and especially known in the Tucson area.

Praying for Mrs Guthrie’s safety and return.

I must admit, I do keep thinking about the cartels. I am so ignorance about them.
BUT I just feel it just leads to such rabbit holes, and arguments.

But your comment sure had me twitching.....
The cartels are very powerful in Arizona and Texas, and especially known in the Tucson area.

 

[serenebee23]

You can't just go out and get POA on someone. It's not like taking out a life insurance policy and faking a signature. NG would need to have requested the POA and consulted a lawyer, then sign the document in front of the drafting attorney and a notary (sometimes the same person). I have guardianship, conservatorship, and durable POA over my mom who is now in memory care. Believe me when I say that there is a lot that goes into having a POA drafted for oneself, and also being assigned POA.

100%. Also if a child brought a parent in to a lawyer's office suggesting the parent get a POA (or life insurance, or change a trust/will, etc.) the lawyer would hopefully look into the matter further, meet with the parent alone, or refuse to do it, to make sure the parent wasn't being coerced by the child (or any other person suggesting an elderly person create/change legal documents).

Also spouses can get a POA for the other spouse to sign real estate documents if they won't be around for the closing, that's pretty typical too (I saw comments AG had a POA for TC so I'm just addressing that too, I've worked in both areas of law).

 

[Elley Mae]

Zach Lind, Jimmy Eat World drummer whose wife is Nancy Guthrie's niece, posted about Annie Guthrie and Cioni on X on Feb. 4.

"Annie and Tommy are amazing people, dedicated parents who also love and care for Nancy on a daily basis," he wrote.

https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/people/2026/02/04/who-are-annie-guthrie-tommaso-cioni/88508868007/

 

[missy1974]

While its a little quiet in here, for those who are adamant the one/s who wrote the ransom notes are the same one/s who kidnapped Nancy, what is your reasoning?

And for those who believe the ransom note writer/s are not the same as those responsible for what happened to Nancy, what are your reasons for thinking this?

And for those who are on the fence, what are your reasons, what is it that is making it difficult to lean one way or the other?

(we don't have all the evidence and information from the investigation, so noone can really know right now what LE know, but just thought it would be interesting to review where we are all at and why)

I am on the fence.

I think that it depends on what was in that first ransom note as proof they were there. If for example, it said the watch was found on a shelf in the living room, or a specific spot in the kitchen and it WAS, then that would give me reason to believe it. We don't know much about the house at all. And we don't know what was in the note. BUT, the FBI still hasn't been able to find the sender and NG is still missing. I think the long deadline and her not being found has made them awfully lucky and unless they knew were NG was (alive or unfortunately dead), how would they know it would take this long? If it's a hoax, why give such a long time, get your payday and get out.

I don't think it was the son in law. I don't have a reason, I just don't.

I think it is more likely it was random, someone familiar with the house, the family, but was maybe a contractor, or did some sort of work at the house, and not necessarily recently.

Of course, all JMO

 

[Curiousobserver]

I actually agree. It's a step away from junk science. So, "my profiling" is based only on whatever we know or think we know about this case.

Meant no disrespect- its good to pull the data apart to see where the weak spots are.

There are some great books on this subject of profiling and how they borrow many tactics from fortune tellers and mediums.

There are statistical based models of crime that are very useful. The issue with this case is that all of the common patterns have very significant problems with them.

The generally accepted patterns IMO-

-She was more likely than not killed by someone close to her or related.

-This person is more likely to be a male than not.

-She is far less likely to be a victim of a kidnapping than she is a random crime or a familial crime (murder during a burglary, argument, heat of passion).

-It is likely, if this was a murder, to be hidden very far (<50 miles) from where the crime occurred.

The family seems to be willing to bet $6M that the kidnapping story is the correct one, but is the least likely in my mind.