In a case that has gripped the nation with its mix of celebrity ties and chilling mystery, Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Tucson home under suspicious circumstances. Authorities suspect foul play, pointing to signs of abduction, and have zeroed in on the timeline where her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, was the last person confirmed to have seen her alive.
Nancy, a beloved matriarch known for her active community life and devotion to her family, disappeared sometime between the evening of January 31, and the morning of February 1. Her phone, wallet, car keys, and essential medications were all left behind in her modest southwest Tucson residence, fueling fears that she was taken against her will during the night.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, in collaboration with the FBI, is leading the investigation, processing DNA samples, fingerprints, and what may be blood specks near the front door—though that detail remains unconfirmed. The home’s Ring doorbell camera is missing, and reports suggest security cameras were smashed, though officials have not verified this.
The disappearance has thrust the Guthrie family into the spotlight, particularly Savannah Guthrie, 54, who has been a fixture on morning television since 2012. Savannah, known for her sharp interviews and warm on-screen presence, has not publicly commented on the case, but sources close to the family say she is devastated and actively involved in the search efforts from New York.
Central to the unfolding drama is Tommaso Cioni, married to Savannah’s sister Annie Guthrie. According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, Cioni dropped Nancy off at her home around 9:45 p.m. on January 31 after a family dinner with Annie and Nancy.
He ensured she made it safely inside the house before leaving, Nanos told reporters, saying that this makes Cioni the last known individual to see Nancy. Initial reports varied, with some suggesting Annie was the last, but clarifications confirm the couple dined together, and Cioni handled the drop-off.
The timeline paints a picture of a quiet evening turned tragic. After the dinner, Nancy was expected at her regular church service the next morning but never arrived, prompting friends and family to alert authorities. By February 2, the case escalated rapidly. Unconfirmed reports circulated that Annie’s car was seized for forensic examination, sparking speculation about family involvement.
On the morning of February 4, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department firmly pushed back against the rumors. They stated that no suspect or person of interest has been identified in the case. The department urged the public to avoid spreading unverified accusations or false information, noting it hinders the investigation.
They also declined to confirm the car seizure, calling for caution amid the media frenzy. Complicating matters are three ransom notes demanding Bitcoin payments, sent to media outlets and authorities. Their authenticity is under scrutiny, with experts analyzing them for clues. No demands have been met, and no proof of life has been provided.
As the investigation remains active and fluid, with no arrests or solid leads, authorities encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s tip line at (520) 351-4900 or the FBI at tips.fbi.gov.
