The search has now entered day five, after the elderly woman was last seen in her home outside of Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday evening (January 30).
Nancy’s family reported her missing just a day later, when she failed to attend church the following Sunday (January 31).
Savannah Guthrie is a successful broadcaster in the US, after joining the Today show team in 2011.
She is now a co-anchor on the long-running program, a role which reportedly pays around $8 million per year.
But her success, she has previously noted, is as a result of the constant support of her mom, Nancy, who she formerly described as the most precious blessing in her life.
Nancy Guthrie’s disapearance
When the elderly mom didn’t attend Sunday morning church services as expected, relatives became worried and visited her residence, contacting emergency services near midday.
And it’s clear that the scene raised some immediate red flags for investigators.
Her personal items, including her mobile phone, vehicle, and ID, were all present, lights even remained switched on.
All evidence suggested someone may have broken into the property.
And in a shock briefing, Pima County’s chief law enforcement officer, Sheriff Chris Nanos, expressed with strong conviction on Monday (February 2), that Nancy had been taken against her will.
Family members informed authorities that Nancy struggled with mobility, and would not have been able to walk more than a short distance unassisted – pretty much ruling out the suggestion that she had simply wandered off.
She also has urgent medical needs, including the prescription of a daily heart medication.
The case took a chilling turn when the Los Angeles Times reported that blood was found inside her home upon investigation.
And many unanswered questions remain.
Savannah Guthrie breaks her silence
Following her mother’s disappearance, the TODAY show host has been largely absent from public view.
But on Monday evening, 54-year-old took to Instagram and released a statement.
“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope,” she 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.
“Bring her home.”
The statement from Savannah added: “On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”
Theories on the case
There have been numerous theories about what may have happened to Nancy as the case has picked up traction on social media.
One widely shared theory centres around an alleged ‘ransom note’ reportedly received by TMZ, which demands millions in Bitcoin for Nancy’s return.
Users have speculated that this could be key evidence that she was kidnapped for money.
Savannah and her siblings have since responded to the note, stating that they are ‘willing to talk,’ but need to know beyond reasonable doubt that their mom is still alive.
Other theories suggests that the perpetrator could be someone much closer to Nancy, rather than a stranger who had been watching her from a distance.
Is her son-in-law a suspect?
Many have suggested that Nancy’s son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, who is married to to Savannah’s sister Annie, could be a prime suspect in the case.
It’s been reported that Annie was last person to see Nancy on Saturday night when they reportedly had dinner together, but it’s unclear whether Tommaso was present.
Police have since shot down this theory
Suspect update
In a major update, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department have issued a statement regarding suspects.
Speaking to TMZ, they stated: “We have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case.
“Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie. We are also awaiting additional forensic results.”