Police Officials Deny Savannah Guthrie's Brother-In-Law As Suspect In Mother's Abduction

The details surrounding the case of missing Nancy Guthrie, mother of "TODAY" host Savannah Guthrie, continue to grow darker. According to a new report, a veteran journalist has said that Savannah's brother-in-law, Tommasco Cioni, could be a suspect in the case that has garnered national attention.

Savannah Guthrie's family made headlines in late January 2026 when reports surfaced that her 84-year-old mother may have been forcibly taken from her Arizona home. While law enforcement officials haven't shared much, a representative from the Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed that there was a "crime scene."

Update: 10:45 AM EST

A spokesperson from the Pima County Sheriff's Department has shared an update, seemingly denying reports that Savannah Guthrie's brother-in-law was identified as a possible person of interest, per Us Weekly.

"At this point, investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case. Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie," the statement read. "Detectives are working closely with the Guthrie family. While we appreciate the public’s concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation."

The Sheriff's Department added, "No suspect or person of interest has been identified at this time."

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TMZ reported on February 4 that esteemed journalist Ashleigh Banfield reported late Tuesday night that Savannah's brother-in-law, Tommasco Cioni, "has been identified by police as a possible suspect in the case."

Cioni is reportedly married to Savannah's sister, Annie, and sources say the pair were the last to see Nancy Guthrie before she went missing on Saturday night.

Reports also claim that Annie got dinner with Nancy on Saturday night; however, it's unclear whether her husband was present.

According to Banfield, investigators in the case have towed Annie's vehicle, citing "some connection" to Cioni.

Cioni has lived in Arizona since 2006, per Parade. In his biography on the Tapirulan Cultural Association website, the 50-year-old shared that he enjoys writing, studying lizards, playing the electric bass, and making homemade pasta.

In 2015, Cioni worked as a 6th-grade AP Biology teacher at BASIS Oro Valley Primary. "I love the fact that I am able to share my passion for learning with my students. Since I teach 6th grade and AP Biology, I love seeing them growing from pre-teens to young adults, and see them express their potential," Cioni said about his work.

Savannah's sister, Annie, praised Cioni in a 2013 interview with Women's Quarterly Conversation, calling him her "greatest teacher." Annie further described Cioni as "a great manifester."

In a December 25, 2025, Facebook post, Cioni was seen posing next to Nancy, Annie, and Savannah. "Merry Christmas, sweet ones," Nancy captioned the photo.

An alleged ransom note for Nancy Guthrie emerged on Tuesday, February 3, according to an earlier report from The Blast.

According to reports, the note demanded millions in Bitcoin for Nancy's release. The Bitcoin address was confirmed to be valid, and the letter reportedly contained an "element of 'or else.'"

The PCSD addressed the alleged ransom note online, confirming they were investigating its authenticity. They also stated that any and all tips were being sent directly to the FBI.

Another report from The Blast covered statements from behavioral analysts and seasoned law enforcement officials who offered differing perspectives on who could be involved in the ongoing mystery.

Former FBI special agent Dr. Bryanna Fox explained why she believed it was implausible that a Guthrie family member was involved. “If it was a family member or somebody who knows the house, they wouldn't have forced entry,” Fox said. “If she knew them, they would have been likely to have carried out a ruse to get her to go with them and get into the vehicle.”

Fox also suggested that Nancy's disappearance is far from a random act, explaining that Nancy was likely taken by "a person or group of people that selected her [and] probably cased her pattern of life."

Chris McDonough, a retired Florida detective, shared that the abductor could've been someone closer to Nancy than the family realized, such as a "gardener or a delivery person."

Savannah is no longer covering the 2026 Winter Olympics, per USA Today. In a statement shared with NBC, the longtime "Today" host thanked her fans for supporting her family and "lifting your prayers" during this challenging time.

In an Instagram post, Savannah also shared that her family's belief in God was guiding them through the search, prompting social media users to send the TV anchor kind words.

"Praying. In the mighty name of Jesus," Elisabeth Hasselbeck commented. "Praying peace by the power of the Holy Spirit and under the authority of OUR MIGHTY GOD-we are praying."

"Praying that your dear mother is returned home safely & that you will be able to give her the biggest hug," Sherri Shepherd added.