Today Host’s Mother KIDNAPPED — Blood Found Everywhere

An 84-year-old mother of a high-profile television host has been abducted from her Arizona home, with disturbing evidence including blood at the scene and a ransom note demanding Bitcoin sent to media outlets—raising urgent questions about the safety of vulnerable seniors in their own homes.

Story Snapshot

Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Tucson home overnight on January 31, 2026, with pacemaker data indicating abduction around 2 a.m.
Crime scene evidence includes blood inside and outside the home, signs of forced entry, and a missing security camera, while her phone, wallet, and car remained untouched.
Ransom notes demanding substantial Bitcoin payments were sent to KOLD-TV and TMZ, containing specific details about Nancy’s clothing and items in her home.
Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed the 84-year-old with severe mobility issues requiring daily medication was taken against her will, warning “We don’t need another bad, tragic ending.”
FBI has reviewed the ransom note while homicide detectives process DNA evidence and search with helicopters, drones, and K-9 units, though no suspects have been identified.

Elderly Woman Vanishes After Family Drop-Off

Nancy Guthrie was last seen alive on January 31, 2026, around 9:30 p.m. when a family member dropped her off at her Tucson home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue. The 84-year-old retiree lives independently despite severe mobility problems that make walking without assistance nearly impossible. She relies on daily medication and has a pacemaker, but no cognitive impairment. Electronic devices monitoring her pacemaker stopped communicating around 2 a.m. on February 1, providing investigators a precise timeline for when the abduction likely occurred.

When Nancy failed to attend church services the morning of February 1, family members grew concerned and arrived at her home around 11 a.m. They discovered her missing with her phone, wallet, and car still at the residence. The family immediately called 911 at noon to report her disappearance. By 8:55 p.m. that evening, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office launched an intensive search operation deploying helicopters, drones with infrared technology, and K-9 units. Given Nancy’s medical needs and inability to wander due to mobility limitations, authorities quickly shifted from a missing person case to a suspected abduction investigation.

Disturbing Crime Scene Evidence Emerges

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed during press conferences on February 2-3 that Nancy’s home is being treated as a crime scene with “very concerning” evidence. Blood was discovered inside the residence, with a possible dried blood trail leading outside. Investigators found signs of forced entry and noted that the front security camera was missing from the property. Despite the violent indicators, no tire tracks or footprints were found at the scene, complicating efforts to identify suspects. DNA samples from the blood have been submitted for processing, though Sheriff Nanos has not confirmed whose blood was found or provided details about what valuables may have been taken.

The lack of physical evidence like footprints and tire tracks raises troubling questions about how thoroughly the perpetrators planned this crime. For law-abiding Americans who believe in the fundamental right to safety and security in one’s own home, this case highlights the vulnerability of elderly citizens living independently. The fact that someone could enter a home, forcibly remove an 84-year-old woman with severe mobility issues, and leave minimal trace evidence demonstrates a calculated criminal operation. Sheriff Nanos stated unequivocally, “She was taken… didn’t go willingly,” emphasizing that this was not a case of wandering or voluntary departure.

Bitcoin Ransom Notes Sent to Media Outlets

As of February 4, 2026, investigators are examining ransom notes sent to media outlets KOLD-TV and TMZ demanding Bitcoin payment for Nancy’s safe return. The note sent to KOLD-TV contained specific details that lend credibility to its legitimacy, including descriptions of a broken item inside Nancy’s home and details about her clothing. The ransom demand was described as “substantial,” though the exact amount has not been publicly disclosed. TMZ reportedly received a similar note with an unspecified deadline. The FBI has reviewed the ransom communications and shared details with Savannah Guthrie, though authorities have not confirmed the notes’ authenticity.

The use of Bitcoin in ransom demands reflects a disturbing trend in modern criminal activity, exploiting cryptocurrency’s anonymity to evade law enforcement. This case underscores the challenges facing families and authorities when criminals leverage technology to commit and profit from violent crimes. Sheriff Nanos continues to plead for public assistance, following all leads while acknowledging he cannot assure Nancy is still alive. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has returned the home to the family after processing but continues analyzing evidence. Savannah Guthrie posted on Instagram asking for prayers, stating simply, “Raise your prayers,” as the search intensifies into day four with no suspects identified and no resolution in sight.