DNA matches Nancy Guthrie as investigators find blood-like material

Pima County investigators said DNA samples collected at the Catalina Foothills home of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie have been confirmed to belong to her, and officers observed a small amount of material that appeared to be dried blood near a doormat as they processed the house. Authorities said the residence has been declared an active crime scene as they pursue leads in the disappearance of the mother of NBC Today co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters that investigators “do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will, and that's where we're at.” He added bluntly, “We don't know where she is,” and said the department was treating the case as an abduction. “She did not leave on her own, we know that,” Nanos said, and urged the public to come forward as the probe continued. “We're looking at all leads,” he said, and at one point summed up the urgency: “We gotta find her.”

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at home late on Saturday night, Jan. 31, with family members reporting her missing about noon on Sunday after searching the property. The family issued a statement to NBC confirming the case as a missing persons matter and saying they were working closely with local law enforcement. Savannah Guthrie thanked the public for support and asked anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department, saying in a family statement, “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear Nancy.” Savannah was reported to be in Arizona and has been absent from the Today desk during the unfolding investigation; colleagues expressed solidarity on air, with Jenna Bush Hager saying, “We love Nancy.”

Investigators emphasized that while DNA from the home has been matched to Nancy Guthrie, officials have not publicly confirmed whether the sampled material was definitively blood. The initial observation of a reddish, dried substance near a doormat was reported by local media and the original scene report; forensic testing to produce a DNA profile is underway. Sheriff Nanos told NBC that detectives “took some samples that we hope will have enough of a DNA profile… that will give us some identification as to what we’re looking at,” reflecting the technical and time-sensitive nature of laboratory work.

Law enforcement said they are also investigating reported ransom notes and are coordinating with the FBI. The sheriff’s department has not confirmed the legitimacy of any notes or identified suspects from the material recovered. Local tip line 88-CRIME reported receiving more than 100 tips, and authorities announced a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest.

The case has spotlighted broader issues in a media age where a missing person connected to a national television personality quickly becomes both a local police matter and a national story. News organizations face questions about balancing the family’s privacy with public interest, while broadcasters must manage programming and public relations when an on-air host is personally affected. The investigation also resonates with wider concerns about elder safety, neighborhood security, and the role of home surveillance in modern policing, as officers await footage from camera companies serving the neighborhood.

Authorities reiterated the call for help from anyone with information and urged residents with cameras or knowledge of unusual activity to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department.