Authorities in Arizona are urgently appealing for public assistance in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, after officials confirmed the disappearance is now being treated as a crime.

During a briefing on February 2, Chris Nanos, sheriff of Pima County, said search and rescue teams have so far been unable to locate Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing from her home outside Tucson around noon on February 1.

“We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us,” Nanos told reporters. “After processing the scene, we believe we do, in fact, have a crime scene. We do, in fact, believe a crime has occurred — and we’re asking the community for help.”

The sheriff stressed that Nancy Guthrie has significant physical challenges and requires daily medication. “If she doesn’t receive that medication within 24 hours, it could be fatal,” he warned, underscoring the urgency of the situation.

While Nanos said it would be inappropriate to share specific details about the evidence found inside the home, he confirmed investigators believe Nancy did not leave voluntarily. He added that no other family members or caregivers are missing and emphasized that the Guthrie family has been fully cooperative with authorities. “Our hearts go out to them,” he said. “This is their mom.”

“She is very limited in her mobility,” Nanos added. “We know she didn’t just walk out of there.” He noted there were additional signs at the home reinforcing the belief that Nancy did not leave on her own, though those details remain undisclosed.

Authorities also made clear that the case is not related to dementia or confusion. According to Nanos, the family “wants everybody to know” that Nancy Guthrie is of sound mind. “This is not dementia related,” he said. “She didn’t wander off.”

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was officially reported missing after the Pima County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call around noon on Sunday, February 1. At that time, officials immediately raised concerns due to her age and poor physical health. “Naturally, we have some great concerns,” Nanos said earlier. “The scene at the house also raised concerns for us.”

On Monday, Tom Winter, NBC’s national law enforcement and intelligence correspondent, told viewers on the Today that authorities had launched an extensive search effort. Helicopters equipped with infrared cameras were deployed overnight, along with drones. Customs and Border Protection assisted in the operation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation has also been made aware of the case.

However, during Tuesday’s update, Sheriff Nanos announced that the search-and-rescue phase has now been suspended. “We no longer see this as a search mission,” he said. “We see this as a crime scene.”

As the investigation deepens, Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from her role on Today to focus on her family. In a statement issued to USA TODAY, the long-time anchor thanked the public for their support.

“Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” Guthrie said. “We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at (520) 351-4900.”

Authorities continue to urge anyone with even the smallest piece of information to come forward as concern grows over Nancy Guthrie’s safety and time becomes increasingly critical.

Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/