Podcast Summary: DNA Found at Home as Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Escalates | Nancy Guthrie Update

Podcast: Drop Dead Serious With Ashleigh Banfield
Host: Ashleigh Banfield
Date: February 3, 2026
Episode: DNA Found at Home as Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Escalates | Nancy Guthrie Update

Overview

This episode takes a deep dive into the disturbing disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today Show host Savannah Guthrie. Ashleigh Banfield, a friend and longtime colleague of Savannah, covers the escalating criminal investigation—exclusively sharing new details from a personal interview with Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. The tone is urgent, personal, and compassionate, focused on facts and firsthand law enforcement insights, while making a direct appeal to the public for any information that may help solve this case.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Background and Chronology (01:04 - 04:13)

• Nancy Guthrie, age 84, reported missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson, Arizona.
• Last seen Saturday night (January 31st) around 9:45 pm, dropped home by a family member.
• Missing was discovered Sunday morning when Nancy failed to attend church—church member first raised the alarm.
• Family members arrived, found signs something was wrong, and contacted 911 immediately.

“It is not a missing person anymore alone. It is a criminal investigation involving a crime scene at Nancy Guthrie’s home in Arizona.” — Ashleigh Banfield (01:24)

Immediate Law Enforcement Response (04:13 - 13:00)

• Massive response: over 100 sheriff and law enforcement vehicles, search teams, K9s, drones, and aircraft.
• Homicide teams responded from the start—indicating immediate suspicion of foul play.
• Search and rescue suspended “permanently unless and until” new evidence emerges.

“They are throwing everything at this crime… Homicide teams were in that house right away.” — Ashleigh Banfield (02:25)

Health and Vulnerability Factors (04:13 - 13:00)

• Nancy had critical daily medications left behind at home. Missing those for over 24 hours is potentially life-threatening.
• No signs of dementia; Nancy was “sharp as a tack” but had severe mobility limitations—unable to walk more than 50 yards.

“She takes medicine every single day. Critical medicine. This is important… It can be lethal.” — Ashleigh Banfield (04:05)

“They do not believe that Nancy Guthrie walked out of her house of her own volition. She was taken.” — Ashleigh Banfield (07:28)

Evidence & Investigation Status (18:09 - 39:08)

Interview with Sheriff Chris Nanos [Starts 18:09]

Crime Scene & Entry

• Authorities found “evidence that shows it suggests that she was removed from that home… against her will.” (18:42)
• Investigation includes digital evidence—law enforcement is seeking help from Apple, Google, and security camera companies.
• Outside and inside the home, both presented “concerns.” (37:48)

“The home, it’s outside, inside. All of that had some concerns for us.” — Sheriff Nanos (37:48)

Forensic & Digital Evidence

• DNA evidence found in the home, “submitted for rapid DNA testing.” (21:55)
• Law enforcement is working with “DL Labs” for fast-tracked results, usually within 5-10 days.
• Camera footage is being recovered from exterior home cameras. No evidence yet from camera review; tech challenges exist with access.
• No indication of a forced open front door at arrival, and items like the cell phone and vehicle were left at the home. (21:24)
• No tire tracks or mud; thus, no physical evidence of a vehicle but belief remains one was used. (28:06)

Kidnapping vs. Disappearance

• Multiple confirmations that authorities consider this a forcible abduction, possibly a kidnapping.
• No evidence she left on foot, or left alone. Vehicle and vital items were left behind.
• No sign of ransom requests or direct threats to the family or Savannah herself as of the time of recording. (30:33, 32:09)

“She did not leave that home on foot.” — Sheriff Nanos (20:25)

“We believe she was forced out of her home. Whether she walked out… or was carried out, that we don’t know. But we do know she left that home against her will.” — Sheriff Nanos (26:40)

“Abduction, kidnapping, you know, all of those things apply.” — Sheriff Nanos (38:13)

Leads, Surveillance, and Neighborhood Canvassing

• Door-to-door canvassing ongoing; focus on spotting unknown vehicles or persons.
• Ring camera and digital surveillance footage from neighborhood being collected and examined.
• No suspects or leads on unfamiliar vehicles or prowler sightings yet. (25:32, 38:55)
• Interviews with service providers, contractors, and staff connected to Nancy Guthrie are underway. (35:57)

Family Involvement & Public Appeal

• Savannah Guthrie, herself a lawyer and journalist, is directly involved and “incredibly helpful.”
• The case has national resonance due to Savannah’s profile.
• Banfield urges listeners to share images and info as widely as possible and support police outreach.
• Sheriff asks for the public’s help: “If you know where she’s at, let her go. Just call us. We’ll come and pick her up.” (32:09)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Banfield’s Urgency & Personal Connection:
  “This is very personal to me… when I heard the news, I was floored.” — Ashleigh Banfield (01:22)

• On Medications & Health Risks:
  “We believe from the family’s report… she has no medicine available to her.” — Sheriff Chris Nanos (32:47)

• Determination of Crime:
  “It 100% became a crime scene and a criminal investigation.” — Ashleigh Banfield (05:00) “I just have such confidence in my team… I just know we’re going to get this result.” — Sheriff Nanos (18:17)

• Public Call for Tips:
  “No detail is too small. Always say that.” — Ashleigh Banfield (09:30)

Important Timestamps

• 01:04 — Ashleigh Banfield introduces the case, personal connection, and investigation overview.
• 03:33 — Clip from Today Show explaining Savannah’s absence and family statement.
• 04:13 — Timeline of disappearance and initial concerns.
• 18:09 — Interview with Sheriff Chris Nanos begins.
• 21:55 — Confirmation of DNA evidence submitted for rapid testing.
• 26:40 — Explicit statement: “We believe she was forced out of her home.”
• 30:33 — No ransom or threats received.
• 32:09 — Urgent appeal for the public’s help; risk associated with missing medications.
• 37:48 — Both inside and outside crime scene concerns.
• 38:13 — Clarity on "kidnapping" characterization.
• 39:08 — Banfield’s closing appeal: share the case, contact details for tips.

Final Appeal & Information

• Contact Info:
  Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos — (520) 351-4900

• Host’s Final Statement:
  “It stands to reason, it’s really important to share this podcast as far as you can. The more eyes, the better… That's how Gabby Petito was found.” — Ashleigh Banfield (39:49)

Tone and Takeaways

Ashleigh Banfield’s tone is deeply human, empathetic, and sharply investigative. The discussion balances emotional resonance (due to her personal tie and Savannah’s status) with methodically detailed crime reporting. Sheriff Nanos is measured, direct, sometimes guarded (to protect investigative integrity), and transparent where possible.

This episode stands as both a critical update for the true crime community and an urgent, open-source call for information, emphasizing the power of public engagement in driving progress for missing persons cases.