FBI searches Arizona home after detention in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother
Police have searched a home in southern Arizona after detaining a person in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of US news anchor Savannah Guthrie.
The FBI confirmed it executed a court-authorized search warrant at a residence in Rio Rico, a town south of Tucson. The individual believed to live at the property was taken into custody during a traffic stop, according to law enforcement sources who spoke to CBS, the BBC’s US news partner. Authorities said the search could last several hours.
Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home near Tucson more than a week ago. Investigators believe she was abducted. Since then, local law enforcement and federal agents have mounted an extensive search effort across the region.
Officials previously released video footage showing a masked individual outside her home on the night she disappeared. Authorities say the person appeared to be armed. The disturbing images show the suspect standing at her doorstep shortly before Nancy was reported missing.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said investigators discovered blood on Guthrie’s porch. Forensic analysis later confirmed the blood belonged to her. That revelation intensified fears about her condition.
The sheriff also revealed that on the night of the disappearance, the monitoring app connected to Guthrie’s pacemaker became disconnected from her phone. The sudden loss of signal has raised further concern about her wellbeing.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have made emotional public appeals on social media, directly addressing whoever may be holding their mother. In one video, they pleaded for her safe return and promised payment.
“We will pay,” they said, urging her potential abductor to release her.
In their first public message, Savannah Guthrie described her mother’s health as fragile. She said Nancy lives in constant pain and requires medication to survive. Without it, she risks suffering severe complications.
“She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer,” Savannah said in the video.
Authorities have echoed those concerns. Sheriff Nanos stated that Nancy is not in good physical health, though she does not have reported cognitive issues. Law enforcement officials warned that she may be in dire condition without her medication.
FBI Director Kash Patel told Fox News that finding Nancy Guthrie remains the agency’s top priority. “Our priority is to find Nancy Guthrie,” he said. He added that the FBI is also focused on identifying and bringing to justice anyone involved in the kidnapping.
Patel said the bureau has worked with private sector partners to recover data believed to have been deleted or missing. Once shared publicly, that information generated new tips and led to additional interviews.
“We’re not stopping,” Patel said, noting that agents are working through the night.
US outlets, including CNN and Fox News, reported a large police presence in Rio Rico as officers conducted the search. The operation involves multiple police units and support from the FBI’s Evidence Response Team.
Investigators have not publicly identified the person detained, nor have they confirmed whether charges have been filed. Officials have described the search as part of the ongoing investigation.
As the search continues, Nancy Guthrie’s family and authorities remain focused on one outcome: her safe return.
The case has gripped national attention, not only because of Savannah Guthrie’s public profile, but also due to the alarming details surrounding the disappearance. A masked figure at the door. Blood on the porch. A pacemaker signal gone silent.
For now, investigators are combing through evidence at the Rio Rico residence, hoping it will bring them closer to answers in a case that grows more urgent by the day.