Four weeks on, Pima County Sheriff vows ‘we’ll find her’ as hunt for Nancy Guthrie intensifies

As the search for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie enters its fourth week, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos remains steadfast in his commitment to finding her. Nancy Guthrie mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31, 2026, in her Tucson, Arizona home. Authorities believe she was kidnapped in the middle of the night on February 1 by a masked, armed individual captured on surveillance footage tampering with her doorbell camera.

Investigation progress

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided a key update in an interview with NBC News on February 20, 2026, published the following day. When asked if the investigation is growing or shrinking after three weeks, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC News, “In terms of leads and working and getting out there, I think that’s still growing, yeah.” He emphasized the pace feels slow but is necessary, stating, “It’s never fast enough for the sheriff. I want it like you: ‘Come on, guys, let’s go, let’s go, let’s find her.’ But the reality is that I also know that sometimes things take time.”




Investigators are making incremental advances on the suspect’s description. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC News they are “getting a little closer to identifying some of the other articles” worn by the person seen in the footage. Challenges persist with emerging technology on items like the suspect’s clothing or gear, as Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos explained: “Our lab tells us that there are challenges with it. The technology is moving so fast and in such a frenzy that they think some of this stuff will resolve itself in a matter of weeks, months, or maybe a year.”

Ruling out family and leads

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed no specific names are currently under scrutiny by the department. Earlier, he detailed how family members, including all siblings, spouses, and daughter Savannah Guthrie, were ruled out as suspects through thorough checks. Evidence from Nancy Guthrie’s residence indicated a crime occurred, treating the home as a crime scene with homicide investigators involved. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated early on: “At this point, investigators believe she was taken from her home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night. Taken against her will includes possible kidnapping or abduction. She couldn’t walk 50 yards by herself.”

DNA found belongs only to Nancy Guthrie, and no ransom note has been verified despite rumors. Hundreds of officers continue working leads, with staffing adjusting as needed.

Message of hope

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos shared an encouraging word for the Guthrie family as the search persisted. “We’re not quitting,” he said. “We’ll find her. Yeah.” Nancy Guthrie’s sharp mental acuity adds to the urgency, as Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos noted previously: “She is really just as sharp as a tack. And that too is concerning that here you have this lady who’s got all her wits about her, she knows what’s going on.” The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI urge tips from the public to aid the ongoing effort.