Why police believe Savannah Guthrie’s mother was taken from her home

Arizona investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, believe she was taken from her home against her will, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said on Monday.

Sheriff Chris Nanos said Guthrie’s home outside Tucson is being treated as a crime scene, with investigators examining evidence that suggests she was forcibly removed, possibly during the night.

Guthrie, 84, was last seen on Saturday night at her home. Authorities said she has limited mobility and needs to take medication every day, warning that missing doses could be life-threatening.

Nanos stressed that Guthrie does not have cognitive issues and that her disappearance is not linked to dementia. He described her as being of sound mind and mentally sharp.

Her family reported her missing around midday on Sunday, prompting an extensive search-and-rescue operation involving trained officers, volunteers, drones, helicopters, aircraft and search dogs, including units provided by US Customs and Border Protection.

“I think she was abducted,” Nanos told NBC News. He later clarified that he was speaking figuratively and did not mean she was literally taken from her bed.

Investigators believe Guthrie was harmed when she was taken, though officials have not released further details. Nanos said authorities observed concerning signs at the home but declined to specify what those were.

“This is just really sad for our community,” the sheriff said. “Savannah is family to us. Her family is devastated, and this just does not happen here.”

Law enforcement officials are reviewing security camera footage from the property and have urged neighbours to check doorbell and home surveillance systems for any relevant recordings.

Nancy Guthrie is described as being 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. She was last seen by her family at home between 9.30pm and 9.45pm on Saturday. Authorities said she is not in good physical health.

Officials said they are not aware of any threats against Savannah Guthrie, who is currently in Arizona. The FBI has been informed about the case.

Monday’s broadcast of TODAY opened with an update on the situation, with co-anchor Craig Melvin calling it a deeply personal story for the programme.

In a statement shared during the broadcast, Savannah Guthrie thanked the public for their support and urged anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

“Our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” she said, adding that the family is grateful for the efforts of law enforcement.

Later on Monday, Guthrie posted a message on social media asking for prayers for her mother and appealing for continued support as the search continues.