Authorities are treating the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, from her home as a crime.
“Now that we have processed the crime scene, we believe there is an actual crime scene, an actual crime occurred, and we are asking for the community’s assistance,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at a press conference Monday.
He pointed out that “(Nancy) did not leave on her own,” and explained that he believed that “the situation at the scene (…) is inherently suspicious.”
Nanos reiterated that 84-year-old Nancy was a “sharp edge” and “not someone who just wandered off” due to her age and “limited physical strength.”
The sheriff also asked members of the community to view their home security cameras to assist in the investigation.
“We need help,” he appealed to the public, noting that Nancy needed essential medicines every day to survive.
Nanos said authorities have Nancy’s cell phone in their possession and plan to analyze it for clues.
At a news conference Monday, Nanos acknowledged that Nancy’s family reported her missing after she didn’t show up for church on Sunday morning.
She was last seen Saturday night around 9:30 p.m. local time at her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, where she lives alone.
In his first press conference Sunday night, Nanos confirmed that Savannah’s mother had been reported missing by her family.
Click here for the latest information on Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother
He also revealed that search and rescue teams (which have since been suspended) are searching for the matriarch by land and air.
Nanos explained that the state of Nancy’s home after her disappearance caused “us some concern.”
“This is very concerning to us. We don’t normally put the sheriff out at a scene like this, but what we’re learning from home is very concerning,” Nanos explained Sunday.
Savannah, 54, immediately headed to Arizona to help with the search for her mother and was absent from Monday morning’s “Today” show.
The broadcast journalist co-hosts released a statement saying: “On behalf of our family, we would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus is on the safe return of our beloved mother.”
“We appreciate the efforts of law enforcement in this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.”
Savannah has always been candid about how close she and her mother are.
Last November, the TV host visited his home state of Arizona and enjoyed lunch with his mother and sister at a famous Mexican restaurant.
In the clip, they shot tequila from a teacup during the trip and talked about why Nancy stayed in Tucson after moving there in the ’70s.
“It’s so wonderful. Just the air, the quality of life is laid back and gentle. I like seeing the habalaina and eating the plants,” she said.
Savannah’s father Charles Guthrie died, leaving Nancy a widow at the age of 46.
