Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Missing As Police Probe Deepens

The mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has gripped the nation and thrust a quiet Tucson neighborhood into the spotlight. What began as a missing person case has swiftly escalated into a full-blown criminal investigation, with unsettling developments and mounting speculation about who might be responsible.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, after her daughter Annie Guthrie dropped her off at her residence in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona. According to US Weekly, Annie, who lives nearby with her husband Tommaso Cioni, reported nothing unusual at the time—no "red flags" or signs of distress. Yet, by the next morning, Nancy had vanished without a trace, leaving her vehicle and cell phone behind.

As reported by HT.com and corroborated by Times Now News, authorities quickly treated the location as a crime scene. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed in a news conference that investigators believe Nancy was "removed from that home" against her will. "There is definitely in our eyes, and in our belief, evidence that shows and suggests that she was removed from that home," Nanos explained during a candid discussion with journalist Ashleigh Banfield on the Drop Dead Serious podcast.

Concerns for Nancy's well-being grew as details emerged about her health. As reported by Soap Opera Spy, Nancy is mentally sharp but physically frail, unable to walk more than 50 yards unaided. She also requires critical medication, which she cannot go without for more than 24 hours—a fact that has heightened the urgency and gravity of the search. Disturbingly, it appears she did not take her medication with her when she disappeared.

In a significant development, law enforcement recovered DNA evidence at the scene and sent it to Phoenix for rapid testing. However, as Sheriff Nanos noted, backlogs and technical issues have slowed the process. Meanwhile, the investigation has pivoted to a more focused criminal inquiry, with detectives analyzing digital data, surveillance footage, and enlisting the help of tech giants like Apple and Google to track any digital footprints that might lead to clues.

As the days passed, speculation intensified, fueled in part by journalist Ashleigh Banfield’s reporting. On her Drop Dead Serious podcast, Banfield cited a law enforcement source who claimed that Tommaso Cioni, Annie Guthrie’s husband and Savannah Guthrie’s brother-in-law, "may be" a prime suspect in the case. "My law enforcement source tells me that Tommaso Cioni is the prime suspect in this case. Again, law enforcement source tells me that Nancy Guthrie's son-in-law, married to Annie Guthrie, Savannah's sister, is maybe a prime suspect in this case," Banfield stated. She also revealed that police had towed and impounded a vehicle belonging to Annie Guthrie, noting a "connection to Annie Guthrie's car and Nancy Guthrie's son-in-law."

Despite the gravity of Banfield’s claims, no official statement has been issued by police naming any suspect. As Times Now News and HT.com both emphasize, these assertions remain unverified by independent sources. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has maintained a cautious approach, declining to comment on specifics that could compromise the investigation. However, the impounding of Annie Guthrie’s vehicle and the focus on digital evidence suggest investigators are leaving no stone unturned.

Who is Tommaso Cioni? According to Banfield, Cioni is 50 years old, originally from Italy, and has lived in Tucson since 2006. His biography on the Tapirulan Cultural Association’s website paints a picture of a man with eclectic interests: “Since 2006, I have lived in Tucson, Arizona. I write when I have the chance. I study lizards. I play the electric bass. I make homemade pasta.” Professionally, Cioni is a teacher at Basis Oro Valley School, where he serves as a primary instructor for sixth grade science and AP biology—a detail confirmed by his LinkedIn profile, as cited by Banfield.

The Guthrie family, meanwhile, has been plunged into turmoil. Savannah Guthrie, 54, immediately paused her preparations to lead NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics and rushed to Arizona to support the search. She missed episodes of the Today show on February 2 and 3, with a statement read on air expressing her gratitude for the outpouring of support: "Thank you for your thoughts, prayers, and support." Later, Savannah turned to Instagram to appeal for public assistance, asking for prayers and any information that could help locate her mother.

The case has drawn a wave of empathy and concern from the public. Social media has been flooded with messages of support for the Guthrie family. As one commenter wrote, “This is awful. I feel terrible for her family. Who on earth would abduct an 84-year-old woman? My mom and I were very close, and I can’t imagine how her family is coping.” Others praised Sheriff Nanos for his compassion and the difficult task facing investigators.

Authorities have since scaled back the physical search, shifting their focus to the criminal investigation. The sheriff emphasized that digital evidence—ranging from home surveillance to data provided by tech companies—could prove crucial. "We are grateful for the cooperation of companies like Apple and Google," Nanos remarked, highlighting the increasing role of technology in solving modern crimes.

Speculation has inevitably swirled around possible motives and suspects. While some have wondered if Nancy’s disappearance could be linked to Savannah Guthrie’s public profile or political reporting, most observers and officials have dismissed this as unlikely. The prevailing hope remains that Nancy will be found safe and that answers will soon emerge.

As the investigation continues, the Guthrie family, law enforcement, and the public remain united in their determination to find Nancy. The case has become a stark reminder of the vulnerability of even the most beloved and seemingly secure among us. For now, all eyes remain on Tucson, waiting for the next development in a story that has captivated—and unsettled—a nation.