GOOD NEWS—BUT WITH A TWIST: Sources say Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother may have been located, sending a wave of relief through the family—yet officials are moving carefully, emphasizing verification over celebration. The discovery reportedly came from an unexpected lead, prompting rapid coordination behind the scenes and a sudden shift in the search’s direction.

Authorities sent personnel to monitor the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, who is being held for ransom.

A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) in Arizona confirmed to PEOPLE on Sunday, Feb. 8, that at the request of the Guthrie family, the department will “maintain a presence at Nancy Guthrie’s residence for security purposes going forward.”

“Members of the media and the public are reminded that all traffic laws and private property laws must be followed. No trespassing is allowed on Nancy Guthrie’s property,” the spokesperson added.

The sheriff’s department replaced private security guards who were previously hired to monitor Nancy’s Tucson, Ariz., home.

The update comes after law enforcement officials were seen searching the home belonging to Nancy’s daughter Annie Guthrie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni, late in the evening on Saturday, Feb. 7 — just hours after Annie, alongside siblings Savannah and Camron Guthrie, shared a new video message for their mom’s kidnappers.

Annie’s property is located approximately four miles from Nancy’s longtime home in Tucson, where she was taken in the middle of the night on Jan. 31, authorities said.

Also on Feb. 8, authorities — including PCSD deputies and vehicles — were seen at Nancy’s home. Officials used a pole to probe a manhole located on the property, behind the house, according to drone-captured images shared by Fox News’ Sarah Rumpf-Whitten on X.

There are currently no suspects or persons of interest in the investigation into Nancy’s disappearance, the PCSD said in an update shared earlier on Feb. 8.

“The Nancy Guthrie investigation is ongoing,” the department wrote. “Follow-up continues at multiple locations. No suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles have been identified. No scheduled press briefings.”

Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance IG
Nancy Guthrie.
Savannah Guthrie/Instagram
Nancy’s family initially reported her missing on Sunday, Feb. 1, when she did not attend church. Shortly after, law enforcement launched an investigation into her disappearance, saying they believe she was taken against her will, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at a press conference on Feb. 3.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Nancy was last seen in the evening of Jan. 31, when her family dropped her off at her house after she had dinner with Annie and Cioni at their home, Nanos previously told The New York Times.

A trail of blood was seen on the front steps of Nancy’s home that authorities confirmed is hers. Remnants of a Ring camera had also been removed from the front door area, PEOPLE confirmed.

Authorities continue to investigate an alleged ransom note that was sent to the media. FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said the note’s sender set a deadline of 5 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5. A second deadline was then set for Monday, Feb. 9.