Search Teams Continue Hunt for Today Host’s Mother Against Police Warnings

Independent volunteers persist in searching Arizona desert areas for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, despite law enforcement requests to halt civilian efforts. The elderly woman vanished from her Tucson-area home three weeks ago under suspicious circumstances, with blood evidence suggesting foul play.

TUCSON, Ariz. — Independent search teams continue combing through rugged Arizona desert terrain looking for Nancy Guthrie, the missing 84-year-old mother of NBC Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, even as local law enforcement agencies have requested civilian volunteers step back from the investigation.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department expressed gratitude for public concern regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance but emphasized that citizen volunteers should allow trained investigators to handle the complex case without interference.

“We all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals,” the agency said in a statement over the weekend.

Nancy Guthrie vanished from her residence on the outskirts of Tucson on January 31 and was officially reported as a missing person one day later. Law enforcement officials suspect she may have been taken by force, citing blood evidence discovered on her front porch, though investigators have released limited details about other evidence in the case.

Ignoring official requests to cease independent search activities, volunteer groups have persisted in their efforts. One small team discovered a black backpack on Sunday, though it did not match the brand seen in FBI surveillance footage showing a masked individual at Guthrie’s residence on the evening she disappeared.

A sheriff’s department representative informed Tucson’s KOLD television that the recovered bag and its contents did not appear to provide meaningful investigative leads. The Associated Press contacted the sheriff’s department seeking additional comment on Monday.

Members of Madres Buscadoras de Sonora, known as “Searching Mothers of Sonora,” arrived Sunday carrying excavation equipment near Guthrie’s residence, announcing their intention to participate in search efforts. The group attached flyers bearing Guthrie’s photograph and their contact details to her mailbox.

Former Santa Cruz County Sheriff Tony Estrada acknowledged that volunteer searchers possess admirable motivations and can provide valuable assistance, but stressed the importance of coordinating such efforts with official law enforcement operations.

“You can’t have people all over the place looking for something and not reporting to anybody or letting them know that they’re going to be in that area,” Estrada said. “They may be trampling into things that may come out to be helpful in the future.”

Chris Boyer, who serves as executive director of the National Association for Search and Rescue, noted that nearly every search operation conducted by U.S. law enforcement relies on volunteer personnel.

However, untrained civilians who arrive uninvited at search locations, despite good intentions, risk compromising crime scene integrity, according to experts.

“It’s painful for law enforcement when that happens,” Boyer said.

Boyer emphasized that volunteers should complete background screenings, receive training in areas such as first aid administration and crime scene preservation, and operate under direct law enforcement supervision. His organization provides educational resources, certification programs, and advocacy for search and rescue operations throughout the United States and internationally.

The sheriff’s department reports that several hundred personnel are actively working the Guthrie investigation, with more than 20,000 tips received from the public. Federal Bureau of Investigation agents and additional agencies are providing support.

Continuous surveillance has been established around Guthrie’s home, with authorities implementing temporary traffic restrictions to ensure emergency vehicles and waste collection trucks can navigate the area. The persistent presence of media crews, online content creators, and curious spectators has generated varied responses from local residents.

While some neighbors welcome the attention focused on the case, others have positioned traffic cones and warning signs on their properties to discourage trespassing.

A growing memorial continues expanding outside Nancy Guthrie’s home, featuring floral arrangements, yellow ribbons, religious crosses, written prayers, and figurines representing patron saints associated with elderly individuals and desperate circumstances.

Aran Aleamoni and his daughter Ariana selected a bouquet containing red, pink and white flowers, placing it at the boundary of Guthrie’s property next to a sign reading “Let Nancy Come Home” and an angel statue.

“My heart goes out to the entire family,” said Aran Aleamoni, who has maintained a longtime relationship with the Guthrie family. “We are all pulling for you. We’re with you in your corner.”