Investigators Intensify Search for Missing 84-Year-Old Nancy Guthrie in Tucson

Search Continues for Missing Woman in Tucson

Authorities in Tucson, Arizona, are continuing an extensive search for Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman who disappeared from her home in the early hours of February 1, 2026. On February 17, 2026, Pima County Sheriff’s Office personnel were gathered on Guthrie’s property in Tucson as part of the ongoing investigation into her disappearance.

Timeline of Disappearance

According to investigators, Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of January 31, 2026, when she was dropped off at her home after having dinner with her family. She was reported missing the following morning, February 1, 2026, when she did not arrive to view a church service with friends. Officials say she was taken from her home in the middle of the night.

DNA Evidence and Investigative Approach

Investigators recovered a pair of gloves about two miles from Guthrie’s home that appeared to match gloves worn by a man seen in doorbell camera footage from the night she disappeared. The gloves contained DNA, which was compared against entries in the national CODIS database, but officials report that the DNA did not match any existing profiles in that system.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department stated on Tuesday that investigators are exploring additional investigative genetic genealogy options for the DNA evidence, noting that CODIS is one of several databases available. Officials are seeking potential matches through other genealogy databases to generate new leads, while acknowledging that the process may take time and can be affected by the quality of the DNA sample.

Doorbell Camera Images and Suspect Description

Authorities have requested the public’s assistance in identifying a man captured in images and video from Guthrie’s doorbell camera on the night of her disappearance. The video shows a man wearing a ski mask, long pants, a jacket, and gloves. The FBI described the man as approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall with a medium build.

Investigators have determined that the backpack used by the man in the footage is sold exclusively at Walmart. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that authorities are moving closer to identifying the additional clothing items worn by the man. Investigators are also attempting to match the gun and holster seen in the video to help identify a suspect.

Technology-Assisted Search Efforts

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office is working with experts to attempt to locate Guthrie using signals from her pacemaker. Officials say they are trying to detect Bluetooth signals from the device, which they report can be picked up from as far as 218 yards away. Search crews and helicopters have been operating in the areas surrounding her home in an effort to detect a signal.

Scope of Investigation and Involvement of Federal Authorities

The investigation has expanded to include federal law enforcement agencies, and officials report that they have received thousands of leads since Guthrie went missing. The FBI and the sheriff’s office are pursuing these leads alongside DNA analysis and other evidence gathered in the case.

Family Cleared as Suspects

Investigators have ruled out Nancy Guthrie’s immediate family members and their spouses as suspects. Sheriff Chris Nanos stated last week that the family has been cooperative and has been treated as victims in the investigation.

Ransom Notes and Public Appeals

Authorities confirm that a series of alleged ransom notes referring to Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping and demanding payment have been sent to news outlets in recent weeks. Officials have not publicly verified the authenticity of these notes but say they are taking them seriously. Sheriff Nanos has stated that he is maintaining hope that Guthrie is alive. Officials have also expressed concern for her health, noting that she requires daily medications and has a pacemaker.

Nancy Guthrie’s children, including U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, have released multiple video messages appealing to whoever is involved in their mother’s disappearance to contact them, stating that they are willing to pay for her return.