Police believe Nancy Guthrie’s abductor “could strike again”.
Police believe Nancy Guthrie’s abductor “could strike again” but won’t share a possible motive.
The 84-year-old mother of Today show star Savannah Guthrie has been missing since January, and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has opened up about the ongoing investigation.
Asked if the abductor “could strike again”, Nanos told NBC Nightly News: “Absolutely.
“We believe we know why he did this, and we believe that it was targeted, but we’re not 100 percent sure of that, so it’d be silly to tell people, ‘Yeah, don’t worry about it. You’re not his target.’
“Don’t think for a moment because it happened to the Guthrie family you’re safe. Keep your wits about you.”
While he wouldn’t publicly elaborate on a motive, he insisted the authorities have always had a “strong” suspicion.
He added: “From day one, we’ve had some strong beliefs about what happened, and those beliefs haven’t diminished.”
He didn’t go into the detail, and the outlet noted the department is “intentionally withholding their theory and other details in the case, citing the integrity of the investigation”.
The update comes just over a week after Savannah returned to the Today show studio for a visit on March 5 for the first time since her mother’s disappearance.
Host Jenna Bush Hager said on the programme: “Savannah has come back to her home here at 30 Rock and Studio 1A.
“We got to see her this morning, and in her perfect way she talked to all of us, hugged every single person in this room, the crew.
She has the intention to return to the show, even though it feels like the hardest thing to do.
“It’s also her home and where she feels so loved, and she is beyond loved here. And so we’re happy that she is home.”
Hoda Kotb – who quit Today in January 2025 – has stepped in to cover for Savannah during her absence.
Following Savannah’s visit to the set, a spokesperson for the show told People magazine: “Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her Today colleagues..
“She plans to return to the show on air [but] she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home.”
Police warn public about person who abducted Savannah Guthrie’s mother Nancy
