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

[Curiousobserver]

This is interesting. Thoughts on whether it could be a search? Live Flight Tracker - Real-Time Flight Tracker Map | Flightradar24

Seems to be over a mine or quarry of some kind

Tail # not Pima County Sheriff however, could be just mine-stuff they do

 

[KellySleuth]

This is alarming, but why would they send a ransom note to TMZ and not a family member or where SG works?
There's a lot of sick people in this world and I could see them sending a ransom note to TMZ (who they know would publish) just for kicks and giggles.

I have no idea if this note is legit, obviously, but I think there's a history of criminals (serial killers are mostly who come to mind) communicating with/through the media.

 

[MeadowMuffin]

She was probably on the dot a regular attendee/participant. She possibly sat on the same spot for service and her priest/pastor church friends probably knew her well. When people get older, an absence may mean a passing or injury, so i’m not at all surprised her church family was looking out for her and called. Moo

She wasn't there for Bible study.

 

[KellySleuth]

If it’s real, TMZs first call should have gone to the FBI and the Pima Co Sheriff’s Office.

It did.

 

[MesquiteO21]

A genuine ransom demand would not be sent to TMZ.

agree but also a little part of me is like well i am surprised by criminals sometimes. Monique Tepe's ex husband had been somewhat low on my list of suspects just given the timeframe of when they had divorced so i was somewhat shocked.

i'd say it's most likely a hoax but i think there's a sliver of possibility it's legit

moo

 

[WillenFan21]

I can def see a kidnapper sending their ransom note to a media such as TMZ. There have been ransom letters in the past sent to tv news stations to be alerted, knowing it will be sent to the police/family and also make it a BIG sensation. If this proves to be legit, the person may be on the 'younger mindset' mind. A person involved in social media that sensationalizes events, such as this. I so hope NG is alive and hopefully well as can be. Clearly the kidnappers are idiots and I think young side, just thoughts. IMO

Same. TMZ getting it makes sense to me because they are well known in the entertainment world and would put that info out there unlike prob NBC etc who would prob remain quiet about it until it's looked into.

 

[CLGM]

Seems to be over a mine or quarry of some kind

Google Maps

Find local businesses, view maps and get driving directions in Google Maps.

maps.app.goo.gl

 

[heli]

Somewhere I heard that the houses there sit back from the road & with all the trees & plants the road can not be seen on the cams

 

[Megnut]

Iiuc the reward is probably an automatic one, by crimestoppers or some such. I'm guessing that profilers are recommending no big reward because tips are coming in freely and they don't need wishful but useless tips.

JMO

 

[Alkali13]

Man, I am catching up on other people's thoughts, but that presser was disappointing and telling both at the same time. This poor sheriff was NOT prepared for this spotlight and definitely had someone speak to him in the last day about media. That being said, we got no information other than them NOT having the video footage.

 

[NeilC]

They did. Said so in the video.

Thanks.

 

[minazoe]

I agree Tricia!!

it's not unheard of for a kidnapper or killer to use the media rather than go directly to LE.

 

[Megnut]

Wish LE would have given their standard call out -- be on the look out for individuals who have changed their appearance, hours, vehicle.... who may have missed work, etc....

They're good reminders.

JMO

 

[turaj]

If it’s real, TMZs first call should have gone to the FBI and the Pima Co Sheriff’s Office.

I assume it did.

 

[Alkali13]

Oh, that was always a foregone conclusion in my mind. I have zero expectation she'll be found alive, and I doubt she even left that house alive.

As I see it, the outcome is guaranteed. It's just how long it takes to find the person or persons who did this, and recover her.

I do normally agree with MassGuy, and I do once again. I assumed she was dead when I first heard about the case based on the circumstances. With the time that's gone by and the lack of information, I highly doubt we're seeing a happy resolution here. I just hope it's not AS tragic and hard on the family as it could be, i.e. SA or extreme violence.

 

[NeilC]

not that TMZ is a social positive here, but who is to say they didn't?

You’re right. Apparently TMZ said in their statement that they contacted the S.O. and I missed that.

 

[moonglow123]

Yeah, Sheriff's office will know pretty soon if the ransom note is legitimate. If the details contained within it line up with the details of the crime scene. If they know anything that hasn't been revealed to the general public.

If it's real, how horrible. I really don't think modern age ransom demands are ever successful. They must be hoping they can covertly flee to Mexico or elsewhere, but how often does that actually work?

If Nancy had home health aides, housekeepers, handymen, other general people managing her affairs etc. any one of them could've had a family member or friend that became aware of Nancy and saw her as a target. I'm assuming it's not completely random but who knows.

 

[Inthedetails]

Same. TMZ getting it makes sense to me because they are well known in the entertainment world and would put that info out there unlike prob NBC etc who would prob remain quiet about it until it's looked into.

And it is possible that the perp might think TMZ is the same as a news station. It might be a sign the perp is not a mature adult but young and/or not that sophisticated?

I don't know if the note is even legit, of course.

jmo

 

[MesquiteO21]

The presser might not have been for the public. It might have been for the perpetrators.

very good thought! it does make you think, the way he said "this presser is for you all" and pointed to the journalists, yet basically pleaded the fifth to all their questions lol.
hmm...

moo

 

[Alkali13]

Also, just a thought to everyone on the ransom train - the Lindbergh baby was long dead even before the family knew where to drop the ransom.