A small amount of blood was found inside the Arizona home of Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, as authorities investigate her disappearance as a possible abduction, according to a law enforcement source cited by CBS News.
The source told CBS News that investigators are testing the blood, though it remains unclear whose it is. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed evidence collected from the home is still being processed and said it has not yet pointed investigators to a suspect.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills area outside Tucson over the weekend. Authorities initially described the case as a missing-person investigation but have since indicated it is being treated as a criminal matter.
Sheriff Nanos told CBS News that investigators believe Guthrie may have been abducted from her home during the night. “We don’t know where she is,” Nanos said, adding that it remains unclear how many people may have been involved.
The developments come as celebrity news outlet TMZ reported Tuesday that it received what it described as an unverified ransom note demanding payment for Guthrie’s return. Law enforcement has not confirmed the authenticity of any ransom demand.
🚨 TMZ received an unverified ransom note today demanding a substantial amount for the return of "Today" anchor Savannah Guthrie's missing mother, Nancy. We have since contacted law enforcement.
STORY DEVELOPING. pic.twitter.com/VUqZx3K5Fj
— TMZ (@TMZ) February 3, 2026
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department later acknowledged it was aware of “reports circulating about possible ransom note(s),” stating that all tips and leads are being reviewed and coordinated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Investigators have also examined whether a security camera may have been removed from the front of Guthrie’s home, and are reviewing cell tower data with federal assistance. Authorities have not determined whether Guthrie was targeted or if the crime was random.
Officials said Guthrie, who lives alone and requires daily medication, does not suffer from cognitive impairment and is unlikely to have wandered away voluntarily. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
Earlier Tuesday, the White House publicly urged anyone with information about Guthrie’s whereabouts to contact authorities.
The search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, is ongoing, and authorities are requesting assistance from the public. Anyone with information is urged to contact 911.
Our prayers are with the Guthrie family as we hope for Nancy’s safe return home. pic.twitter.com/AuA4zQcPiW
— The White House (@WhiteHouse) February 3, 2026
The investigation remains active. Authorities are asking residents in the area to review security footage, particularly between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. Sunday.
