The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has entered a tense new phase as reports emerge of police impounding a vehicle connected to a close family member. According to multiple media outlets, including NewsNation and TMZ, the vehicle belongs to Nancy’s daughter Annie Guthrie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni—Savannah’s brother-in-law. Cioni, a 50-year-old 6th-grade science teacher in Tucson, Arizona, was among the last people to see Nancy alive, having driven her home after a family dinner on the evening of Saturday, January 31, 2026.
The impoundment, first reported late Tuesday (February 4) by journalist Ashleigh Banfield on her Drop Dead Serious podcast, has fueled intense speculation about internal family dynamics. Banfield, citing a high-level law enforcement source she described as “impeccable,” claimed Cioni “may be the prime suspect now” in the case. She noted that detectives had towed Annie Guthrie’s car into evidence, suggesting “some connection” to Cioni, and that federal agents were observed visiting Annie’s home (where Savannah has been staying during the crisis). Banfield also mentioned that security cameras at Nancy’s residence (Nest brand) were “smashed” or disabled, adding to the sense of deliberate interference.
However, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department quickly pushed back against these claims. In an official statement released Wednesday, a spokesperson said: “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. We are also awaiting additional forensic results.” The department explicitly denied confirming any vehicle seizure tied to a suspect, stating they were “unsure where that reporter is getting that information.” Officials reiterated that no arrests have been made and emphasized that routine interviews with family members—including those who saw Nancy last—are standard in abduction cases.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. on January 31, when family members, including Annie and Tommaso Cioni, dropped her off at her one-story home in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood after dinner at Annie’s residence. Nancy lived alone, mentally sharp with no signs of dementia, but had significant physical limitations—she could not walk far independently—and required daily medication for a chronic condition, along with a pacemaker for cardiac monitoring. When she failed to attend church services Sunday morning (February 1)—a lifelong routine—family became alarmed. Relatives searched the home around noon, found it empty with “very concerning” signs, and called 911.
Upon arrival, investigators declared the residence a full crime scene. Evidence included signs of forced entry, small blood drops inside near the entryway and leading toward the driveway (per sources cited by Fox News Digital and the Los Angeles Times), disarray in the bedroom consistent with Nancy being removed from her bed against her will, and her Ring doorbell camera ripped from its mount. Personal items—cellphone, wallet, purse, car keys, and vehicle—remained untouched, ruling out a typical robbery. Sheriff Chris Nanos has consistently described the case as an abduction: “I believe she was abducted… She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly.”
Nancy’s pacemaker last synced with remote monitoring around 2 a.m. Sunday, February 1, suggesting she was moved out of the home’s range during the overnight hours—likely while asleep. This timeline places the critical window shortly after the family drop-off, making the movements of those present that evening a focal point for detectives.
The vehicle impoundment reports, even if unconfirmed by authorities, have intensified public and media scrutiny on the family. Cioni, married to Annie (Savannah’s older sister), has been interviewed at length by investigators, as is standard for anyone with recent contact. Banfield’s reporting highlighted that federal teams specializing in digital forensics (cellphones, computers) visited Annie’s home, where Savannah is believed to be staying. No official confirmation exists of seized evidence from the vehicle or any “disturbing traces” in the trunk, as some speculative posts suggest.
The broader investigation remains massive and collaborative. The FBI has provided additional personnel for forensic analysis, digital tracing (including potential cellphone pings or pacemaker data), and behavioral profiling. Search operations continue across the rugged Catalina Foothills and surrounding desert terrain: helicopters, drones, K-9 units (including U.S. Customs and Border Protection support), and ground teams scour washes, trails, and remote areas. A tip line (520-351-4900) receives steady calls, backed by a $2,500 reward through 88-CRIME for information leading to resolution or arrest.
Unverified ransom notes have surfaced this week, sent to local media like KOLD-TV and TMZ, demanding cryptocurrency payments and referencing specific crime-scene details (such as Nancy’s clothing on January 31 or the blood drops). Authorities are investigating these but have not authenticated any as genuine; one note was reportedly shared with Savannah after FBI vetting. Sheriff Nanos has urged caution against misinformation: “Unverified accusations and speculation are unhelpful and potentially harmful to the investigation and the family.”
Savannah Guthrie, who has missed Today broadcasts and planned Winter Olympics coverage to be with family in Tucson, released a heartfelt family video on February 4 pleading for Nancy’s safe return. In it, Savannah, Annie, and brother Camron Guthrie emphasized Nancy’s health urgency—constant pain without her medications—and appealed directly to any captor: “We need to know without a doubt that she’s alive… We’re ready to talk. Bring her home.” Savannah has leaned heavily on faith, writing in earlier posts: “Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them.”
The case has gripped the nation since Sunday, with experts describing it as “highly unusual”: abductions of elderly individuals with mobility challenges are rare, especially from the bed in a secure neighborhood with no immediate valuables taken. The absence of confirmed ransom demands after several days adds to the puzzle, though authorities have not ruled out financial motives tied to Savannah’s high-profile status.
As the investigation enters its sixth day, the impoundment reports—whether accurate or not—highlight how family members are always examined first in such cases. Sheriff Nanos has pleaded for tips from the public: anyone with information about suspicious activity near Nancy’s home on January 31, unusual vehicles, or prior contacts should call immediately.
The quiet streets of Catalina Foothills remain under watch, while a family clings to hope. Nancy’s medication needs make every hour critical. Prayers continue for her safe return, and for clarity amid the swirling rumors.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department urges anyone with information to contact 520-351-4900 or the tip line. Until Nancy is found, the focus remains singular: bring her home alive.
