The frantic search for Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy, who went missing from her Arizona home on January 31, has taken a troubling turn.
According to the Los Angeles Times, police have reportedly uncovered alarming evidence that is raising serious concerns about her safety.
Possible kidnapping or abduction
Authorities are growing increasingly concerned for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie. She was last seen in her home in the Catalina Foothills, north of Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday.
“It is a race against time, and I hope that window hasn’t closed,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC’s Liz Kreutz during a segment for the Today show aired Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Nancy, a mother of three, was reported missing by her family and investigators in Arizona say they currently have no solid leads, urging the public to come forward with any information.
The police believe that Nancy has been forcibly taken from her home in what authorities are describing as a “possible kidnapping or abduction.”
Nancy has limited mobility, leading investigators to believe she did not leave the home voluntarily. Authorities have also ruled out cognitive issues.
“This is not dementia-related. She’s as sharp as a tack,” Nanos said.
Blood findings
Authorities haven’t yet confirmed what exactly has raised suspicions of a crime, but the Los Angeles Times reports that blood was discovered inside Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home.
Citing police sources, the newspaper notes that officials have not offered any theories about why she may have been taken. Law enforcement sources told the Times that the blood was found alongside evidence of forced entry at her Catalina Hills, Arizona, residence, though it has not been immediately determined whose blood it is.
Nancy Guthrie, whom Savannah calls her “best friend,” was reported missing Sunday, hours after returning from dinner the night before.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, however, made a direct appeal on Monday to anyone who might be holding her.
“Just call us. Let her go. Just call us. The family will tell you, there’s no questions asked here,” he said to NBC News.
Her best friend
Nancy Guthrie, whom Savannah calls her “best friend,” was reported missing on Sunday, just hours after returning from dinner the night before.
Savannah was absent from the Today show on Monday, taking a moment to thank everyone for their support. Later, on Instagram, the 54-year-old shared a heartfelt post with the caption: “Please Pray.”
“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him,” Savannah wrote.
“Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.”
She concluded the post with a plea: “We need you. He will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” A verse from Isaiah, “for all time, for all of us. Bring her home.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Guthrie family.