The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, entered its 33rd day on March 5, 2026, with authorities reporting progress in the investigation into her apparent abduction from her Tucson-area home on Feb. 1.

Savannah Guthrie & Nancy Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie & Nancy Guthrie

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC News in an interview that investigators "are definitely closer" than ever to identifying a suspect or suspects. The sheriff emphasized ongoing forensic work, including DNA analysis from multiple evidence items, and review of hundreds of hours of surveillance footage. While no arrests have been made, Nanos described the case as active and advancing, with a dedicated task force including four detectives, a sergeant and FBI personnel assigned full-time.

The case has gripped national attention since Nancy Guthrie vanished after a family dinner on Jan. 31. She was reported missing the next day. Authorities believe she was taken against her will, citing drops of blood found on her front porch and doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual near the property. No ransom demands have been confirmed, and investigators have ruled out certain theories while pursuing all leads.

Recent developments include clarification on physical evidence. On March 4, the Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed that DNA from a pair of black gloves found about two miles from the home traced back to a local restaurant employee unrelated to the case. Sheriff Nanos explained the gloves matched ones worn by the figure in surveillance video but belonged to someone working across the street from where they were recovered. "The owner of the glove, we found working at a restaurant across the street," Nanos said, stressing the item "has nothing to do with the case." Other gloves recovered during the investigation were sent to a Florida lab for further DNA testing, with results pending due to challenges in separating mixed samples.

The family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's safe return, a figure announced in late February. Savannah Guthrie, her sister Annie and brother-in-law Tommaso Cioni visited the home earlier this week in their first public appearance there since the disappearance began. They placed yellow flowers at a growing memorial site featuring ribbons, crosses, prayers, a "Let Nancy Come Home" sign and an angel statue. The emotional scene underscored the family's ongoing anguish and hope.

Savannah Guthrie visited the "Today" show studios on March 5 to thank colleagues for their support during her extended absence from the air. An NBC spokesperson said she remains focused on family and the search effort but plans to return on air when ready. "Everyone loves you. And whenever you're ready, we are here," the network affirmed.

Public interest has spurred volunteer proposals. The United Cajun Navy submitted a detailed 41-page operational plan for expanded searches using thermal drones, 25 specialized canines and coordinated desert grid sweeps. NewsNation reported the plan awaits approval from the Pima County Sheriff's Office, which has not yet responded after nearly a week. The proposal reflects community desire to assist amid the month-long effort.

Media coverage has highlighted the case's broader implications, with opinion pieces noting intense attention on high-profile disappearances and calls for equitable focus on all missing persons cases. The Pima County Sheriff's Office continues urging the public to report any relevant information, emphasizing verified tips' value.

As the investigation progresses into its second month, authorities maintain hope for a resolution. The sheriff's confidence in closing in on leads offers a measure of optimism for the Guthrie family and supporters nationwide. Nancy Guthrie remains missing, and the search for answers continues in the Catalina Foothills community.

The ordeal has prompted widespread prayers and vigils, with yellow ribbons appearing across Tucson and beyond. Family statements stress gratitude for law enforcement and public support while pleading for any information that could bring Nancy home.