Episode Overview

Podcast: Crime Stories with Nancy Grace
Episode Title: TV HOST SAVANNAH GUTHRIE'S MOM MISSING, HOME ACTIVE CRIME SCENE
Release Date: February 2, 2026

In this urgent episode, Nancy Grace leads a deep-dive discussion into the shocking disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of renowned TV host Savannah Guthrie. The episode brings in law enforcement officials, investigative journalists, security experts, and psychologists to piece together the unsettling circumstances, analyze evidence, and offer expert opinions on what needs to happen next. The tone throughout is grave, empathetic, and driven by a sense of urgency to help recover Nancy Guthrie and support Savannah during this distressing time.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie (02:11)

• Initial Report:
  Dave Mack, investigative reporter, recounts that Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night at approximately 9:30 PM after returning home from a church function. The following day, she was reported missing by a family member after failing to show up for church (02:35).
• Details of the Case:
  Nancy Guthrie lives independently in the Catalina Foothills, near Tucson, Arizona. Despite her age and some medical limitations, she has no cognitive impairments. Vital items like her keys, ID, purse, and phone were left behind, raising concern that she did not leave voluntarily (03:41).

“Everything — her keys, her id, her purse, her phone, everything — left behind. … She’s limited in mobility. … The sheriff … says she did not just walk out of there.”
— Nancy Grace (04:18)

2. Crime Scene Assessment & Law Enforcement Response (01:20, 05:46)

• Grave Concern from Authorities:
  Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos conveys deep concern about the scene, explicitly noting a homicide team is investigating and not ruling out foul play (01:20, 02:00).

“You don't typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this, but it's very concerning what we're learning from the house.”
— Sheriff Chris Nanos (01:22)

• Official Crime Scene Designation:
  Law enforcement refers to the residence as a “crime scene,” rather than simply a missing persons situation. Homicide detectives and canine units (scent, tracker, cadaver) were deployed along with drones and helicopters, yet no substantial evidence was found in the local area as of recording (05:46).

3. Medical Concerns Heighten Urgency (06:30)

• Medication Dependency:
  Both Nancy Grace and Dave Mack emphasize that Nancy Guthrie is dependent on medication that is potentially life-sustaining. Without it, her life expectancy rapidly decreases, making time a critical factor (06:30, 11:10).

“Her not getting her medication within 24 hours is a fatal thing for her. … Time is of the essence.”
— Dave Mack (11:10)

4. The Emotional Dimension (07:00)

• Personal Stories:
  Nancy Grace and Dr. Bethany Marshall reflect on the worry that comes with caring for elderly parents, especially when they insist on maintaining independence. The pain and fear Savannah Guthrie is likely experiencing is deeply acknowledged.

“When you have a parent that age, it activates the same feelings as if you have a baby. You’re always wondering, is the baby okay?... Parents want autonomy.”
— Dr. Bethany Marshall (09:05)

• Possible Targeting:
  Dr. Bethany speculates whether Nancy Guthrie could have been targeted due to her daughter's fame, raising questions about the motivation behind her disappearance (09:45).

5. Timeline & Evidence Review (10:29, 12:07)

• Critical Timeline:
  Expert consensus is that there is a narrow window—about 10 hours—between when Nancy Guthrie was dropped off and when she was discovered missing, which aids the investigation by providing specific review periods for surveillance and community tips (14:01).

• Unusual Circumstances:
  The front door was found “wide open,” an act considered highly unusual for an elderly woman living alone with full mental faculties (12:07).

“There’s no way this 84-year-old mom leaves her door wide open. That didn’t happen.”
— Nancy Grace (12:50)

• Law Enforcement’s Next Steps:
  Authorities are now examining license plate reader data, and surveillance footage, and are encouraging public tip submissions to help fill in gaps in the investigation (14:19).

“All of these things add up to let us know that something happened to Ms. Guthrie on the night of the 31st after she was dropped off and that this is… [not a typical missing elder case].”
— Brian Fitzgibbons (13:36)

6. FBI & National Assets Involved (15:16)

• Federal Involvement:
  Given Savannah Guthrie’s public profile, the FBI is now officially aware of the case, and Customs and Border Protection have contributed resources. However, Dave Mack notes that drone and helicopter assets recently stood down, indicating a potential shift in investigative strategy (15:16).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I hope it's not [foul play]. I hope we find her. I hope we find her.”
  — Sheriff Chris Nanos (02:07)

• “She did not leave the home on her own.”
  — Dave Mack (11:00)

• “You're taking care of your own children, your own family, your own job. But every day you're worried. I wonder if mom's okay…”
  — Nancy Grace (07:30)

• “Was she targeted because of her daughter’s notoriety? There’s so much more we need to know about this case.”
  — Dr. Bethany Marshall (09:45)

• “Savannah, of course, has left New York and is in Arizona aiding in the search for her mother. There's no way Savannah Guthrie would sit home while other people are looking for her beloved mother.”
  — Nancy Grace (14:55)

Important Segment Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Content | |-----------|----------------| | 01:20 | Sheriff Nanos expresses grave concern at the scene | | 02:35 | Details emerge about the timeframe and missing person report | | 03:41 | Physical description and plea to the public | | 05:46 | Canine and aerial search efforts, expert recommendations | | 06:30 | Nancy Grace connects the case to her personal experience | | 07:30 | Discussion of the emotional toll on families of elderly living alone | | 09:45 | Theories speculated about potential targeting due to Savannah’s fame | | 10:59 | Timeline clarification and importance for investigation | | 12:07 | Confirmation: No cognitive impairment; unusual door left open | | 13:14 | Non-standard missing elder; indicators of foul play | | 14:19 | Timeline aids in technology-based investigation focus | | 15:16 | FBI's awareness and shift in investigative resources | | 16:00 | Closing call for public tips and prayers for safe return |

Call to Action

• Tip Line: If you have any information regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, contact authorities at 520-351-4900.
• Community Support: Nancy Grace encourages listeners to send prayers and support to Savannah Guthrie and her family.

Summary

This episode captures the tension and urgency surrounding the mysterious disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie. From in-depth analysis of the crime scene to the intense emotional impact on families, and a detailed review of evidence and investigative actions, the episode is a blueprint for crisis coverage—mixing sharp legal insight, credible expert advice, and heartfelt appeals for public assistance.