Search for Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Could Take 'Months or Years,' Says Sheriff

The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, could stretch on for months or even years, according to Arizona authorities. Investigators say they remain committed to finding her despite mounting challenges, recent setbacks, and thousands of public tips.

Authorities in Arizona say they will continue searching for Nancy Guthrie, even as the investigation grows more complex. The 84-year-old disappeared from her Tucson home on February 1, 2026. Officials believe she was taken against her will.

Sheriff Vows Persistence

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos released a statement on Friday, February 13, 2026, addressing the ongoing investigation. He acknowledged the challenges but stressed his team’s commitment.

“Maybe it's an hour from now,” Nanos said. “Maybe it's weeks or months or years from now, but we won't quit. We're going to find Nancy. We're going to find this guy.” His remarks came after several investigative efforts failed to produce immediate arrests.

Search Warrant and Evidence Collection

The latest development occurred when authorities executed a late-night search warrant at a residence near Guthrie’s home. Investigators acted on a lead, but no arrests were made.

More than a dozen marked and unmarked law enforcement vehicles were seen in the area. The presence included SWAT teams and forensic units. Armed officers were observed entering and exiting the property, while a sheriff’s vehicle blocked the road.

Investigators have recovered several gloves during the search effort. The closest was found about two miles from Guthrie’s home. The sheriff’s department clarified that reports claiming a glove was discovered inside her home or on the property were inaccurate.

All collected evidence has been sent for laboratory analysis, officials said. A person was also questioned during a traffic stop on Friday night but was later released.

DNA and Suspect Description

Earlier in the investigation, local officials confirmed that DNA found at Guthrie’s home did not belong to her or anyone close to her.

The FBI has released a physical description of the suspect. He is described as a male between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build. The description was developed after analyzing footage from a doorbell camera outside Guthrie’s home.

In the footage, the suspect was seen wearing a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack, according to the FBI.

Thousands of Tips and Increased Reward

After the doorbell footage was released, investigators received more than 13,000 tips. Of those, 4,000 came within the first 24 hours.

The FBI has since increased the reward for information leading to Guthrie’s whereabouts. The amount has doubled from $50,000 to $100,000.

Despite the surge of public assistance, authorities caution that the investigation may take time. Sheriff Nanos made clear that while progress may be slow, the search will not stop.

As leads continue to be examined and forensic testing proceeds, investigators remain focused on one goal: bringing Nancy Guthrie home.