Savannah Guthrie says family is ‘in agony’ in first interview since her mother’s disappearance
Savannah Guthrie’s Emotional Interview on TODAY
Savannah Guthrie, a co-host of the TODAY show, shared her family’s emotional state during a recent interview with Hoda Kotb. The discussion, which was previewed Wednesday, will air across the week, offering a glimpse into the heart-wrenching journey of searching for her missing mother. “Someone needs to do the right thing. We’re in a state of profound distress, and the pain feels unbearable,” Guthrie expressed, reflecting on the anguish her family has endured since Nancy’s disappearance.
Mother’s Disappearance Timeline
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on February 1, the night before she vanished from her home in the Tucson area of Arizona. Her family reported her missing after she failed to attend a virtual church service at a friend’s residence. According to authorities, she was last observed around 9:45 p.m. following a dinner at her daughter Annie Guthrie’s home. The incident has left her family in a deep emotional crisis, compounded by the lack of clear leads in the case.
Clues and Suspect Profile
As the search continues, investigators have released video footage of a suspect, captured on a doorbell camera. The clip shows a masked, armed figure interacting with the security system at Nancy’s home. The FBI is focusing on identifying a male suspect, approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build. He is believed to be wearing a black Ozark Trail Hiker Pack 25-liter backpack in the footage, which disconnected at 1:47 a.m. on February 1, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
“And to think of what she went through. I wake up every night in the middle of the night, every night,” Guthrie said, emphasizing her recurring nightmares of her mother’s fear. “It is unthinkable, but those thoughts demand to be thought. I will not hide my face. But she needs to come home now.”
Genetic Genealogy in the Investigation
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos mentioned that forensic analysis has revealed Nancy’s blood on her home’s porch. Investigators are now considering genetic genealogy techniques to trace unknown DNA samples found inside the residence. The Guthrie family has also pledged a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s safe return, while the FBI is offering an additional $50,000 for any clues related to her disappearance.
Return to the TODAY Show
Despite the emotional toll, Savannah Guthrie recently visited the TODAY studio in New York City and confirmed her intention to resume her duties. “While she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home,” a spokesperson for the show stated in a formal release.
Tim Stelloh, a breaking news reporter for NBC News Digital, and Pilar Melendez, a breaking news editor with a decade of experience in crime, justice, and national news coverage, contributed to this report.