Investigators looking into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, have not identified any suspects or persons of interest, Arizona authorities said Wednesday, Feb. 4, fending off speculation surrounding the case.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation remains active and warned the public against spreading unverified claims.
“No suspect or person of interest has been identified at this time,” the sheriff’s department said in a social media update.
Authorities warn against speculation
As rumors of possible suspects spread on social media, investigators issued a stark warning.
“Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Ms. Guthrie,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said.
“Detectives are working closely with the Guthrie family,” the department added. “While we appreciate the public’s concern, sharing unverified allegations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.”
The ministry later doubled down on the warning, calling such speculation “irresponsible”.
The case is being investigated as a crime
Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona, over the weekend. She was reported missing on Sunday after not going to church.
A small amount of blood found in the house is tested.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said the evidence collected so far did not point to a suspect.
“It could have been one, it could have been more, I don’t know,” Nanos said, referring to the possibility of multiple people being involved.
Last known movements
According to Sheriff Nanos, Guthrie was last seen Saturday night after having dinner with her daughter, Annie Guthrie, and son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, who live nearby.
Nanos told The New York Times that Cioni dropped Nancy Guthrie off at her home around 9:45 p.m. and made sure she got inside safely before leaving. Previously, Nanos told Us Weekly that Annie Guthrie was the last known person to see her mother.
Investigators ruled out Guthrie wandering away from her home.
“She has no cognitive problems,” Nanos said, adding that her mobility is limited.
The timeline raises the alarm
In the early hours of Sunday morning, Guthrie’s pacemaker reportedly lost contact with her iPhone, which was later found left at her home, according to law enforcement sources.
When she didn’t show up for church later that morning, a fellow worshiper became concerned and contacted her family, which led to a missing person’s report.
Health concerns add urgency
Sheriff Nanos emphasized the urgency of the search, noting that Guthrie relies on daily medication and warning that her condition could be critical.
Family at the center of the search
Nancy Guthrie is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, who left her job covering the Winter Olympics in Italy to be with her family during the search.
She has three children — Annie Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie and son Charles Guthrie — as authorities continue to try to find her safely.
Read also | The Missing Case of Nancy Guthrie: Who is Annie Guthrie and why is she being targeted?