Investigator Discusses 'Cliché' Reality Of Finding A Suspect In Nancy Guthrie Case

Arizona law enforcement officers have provided an update in the case of Nancy Guthrie. According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, they're taking a "cliché" but necessary approach to finding Nancy, the missing 84-year-old mother of "TODAY" host Savannah Guthrie.

The Guthrie family made headlines early this week when reports surfaced that Nancy may have been forcibly taken from her home near Tucson. Little information about the situation has been shared with the public; however, reports of an alleged ransom note and blood in Nancy's home have emerged, sparking even more concern among social media users.

On February 4, 2026, Savannah Guthrie appeared in a video alongside her siblings and pleaded for her mother's safe return.

During a press conference, according to Page Six, Nanos revealed that he and his team were "actively looking at everyone" in connection with the case. "Everybody. We would be irresponsible if we didn’t talk to everybody," Nanos added.

The sheriff listed individuals, from Nancy's "Uber driver" to "the gardener" to "the pool person," as possible suspects, calling the reality of their search "cliché."

"It’s so cliché, but everybody’s still a suspect in our eyes. That’s just how we look at things and think as cops. Does that mean we have a prime suspect? No," he said, adding that the Guthrie family has "done everything" asked of them during this challenging time.

Nanos' update comes a day after esteemed journalist Ashleigh Banfield alleged that Arizona police officers were looking at Savannah's brother-in-law, Tommasco Cioni, as a potential suspect. During the February 5 press conference, Nanos reiterated that he was looking at "everybody" when asked whether eyes were on Cioni.

Cioni is reportedly married to Savannah's sister, Annie, and, according to Banfield, could have been one of the last people to see Nancy on Saturday, January 31, 2026, the day before she was reported missing.

Banfield reported that Annie's car had been towed, citing "some connection" to Cioni. She also shared that cameras at Nancy's home were reportedly "smashed."

According to a previous report from The Blast, an alleged ransom letter containing sensitive information about Nancy emerged on February 3, 2026. The letter demanded millions in Bitcoin for Nancy's return.

The alleged letter was said to have contained an "element of 'or else.'"

In an emotional video of Savannah, she spoke directly to her mother and her reported abductor, saying her family was willing to discuss their demands if they could confirm that their mother was alive and well.

Savannah then addressed her mother directly, saying, "If you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter. We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you."

"We will not rest," she added. "Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment, and we pray without ceasing and rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again."

The February 5 press conference included many vital pieces of information.

The FBI said there has been "no proof of life and no follow-up communication" since the ransom letter emerged, and Sheriff Nanos emphasized the importance of using "technology" in solving the case.

According to CNN, the Pima County Sheriff's Department announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy's recovery, "and or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance."

FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Jake assured the Guthrie family that officials were working diligently to find leads in this case. "We have deployed additional intelligence and agents from our Phoenix office," Jake added.

Nancy's disappearance comes days before the start of the Winter 2026 Olympics. According to The Blast, Savannah stepped down from her duties amid the search for her mother.

On February 4, NBC announced Savannah's replacements, confirming Mary Carillo and Terry Gannon would host the Opening Ceremony, while Ahmed Fahreed will host "Olympic Late Night."

An NBC executive also addressed the heartbreaking situation, saying, "Our hearts go out to Savannah and the entire Guthrie family. They continue to have our full support."