In a development that has quietly but significantly reshaped the ongoing probe into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, authorities have confirmed that Annie Guthrie, the older sister of NBC Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was the last known person to see their 84-year-old mother alive. The revelation, detailed by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos in exclusive comments to Us Weekly and echoed across multiple outlets including HuffPost, the New York Post, Daily Mail, and HELLO! Magazine, has tightened the timeline of events on the night of January 31, 2026, and prompted detectives to scrutinize every detail from what was previously considered a routine family evening.

Sheriff Nanos emphasized during recent briefings and interviews that there is no suspicion whatsoever directed at family members, including Annie. “This is not about pointing fingers within the family,” he stated. “Annie provided valuable information that gives us a clear start point. We’re grateful for her cooperation.” The sheriff described Annie’s account as straightforward: no “red flags” were observed during the dinner, and Nancy appeared in good spirits when she was dropped off at her Catalina Foothills home between 9:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m.

This confirmation has compressed the window during which Nancy is believed to have been taken against her will. Previously, the focus was on the broad period from her last sighting to when she failed to appear at church the following morning (around noon on February 1, when family reported her missing). Now, investigators are zeroing in on the hours immediately after 9:45 p.m.—potentially as early as 10 p.m. onward—when Nancy was alone in her residence. “We have a start point,” Nanos explained. “The family took her home from dinner at about 9:30 to 9:45. So we would back that up to even say 9 or 8:30 p.m. to start looking… anywhere from 9:30 p.m. to 11 a.m.” as the critical timeframe.

The home in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood—valued at approximately $1 million—has remained a sealed crime scene since February 1. Authorities cite “very concerning” and “suspicious” evidence discovered inside, leading Sheriff Nanos to publicly assert: “I believe she was abducted… She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly.” Nancy, described as “sharp as a tack” mentally with no dementia or cognitive impairment, suffers from significant physical mobility limitations. She cannot walk far unaided (authorities estimate not even 50 yards independently) and requires daily medication; prolonged absence from her prescriptions could become life-threatening, adding acute urgency to the case.

Annie Guthrie, Savannah’s elder sister and a familiar face to Today viewers through occasional family appearances since Savannah joined the show in 2012, has been thrust into the spotlight amid the tragedy. Reports indicate she joined family members for the dinner outing on January 31, helping ensure Nancy got home safely afterward. In statements relayed through law enforcement, Annie recalled the evening as ordinary—no unusual visitors, no signs of distress in her mother, and no awareness of any threats. Her role as the last confirmed contact has made her a key witness, with detectives re-interviewing her and reviewing any potential digital traces from that night, such as phone records, doorbell camera footage (if available), or nearby surveillance.

The family dynamic adds layers of poignancy. Savannah, Annie, and their brother Camron Guthrie (also known as Charles Camron Guthrie) are the children of Nancy and the late Charles Guthrie, who passed away from a heart attack when Savannah was 16. Savannah has often spoken publicly about the profound impact of losing her father young, and the close-knit bond among the siblings and their mother has been evident in past interviews and social media shares. Savannah rushed to Tucson upon the report of Nancy’s disappearance, missing Today broadcasts to support the search and family. In heartfelt posts, she has urged prayers and focused on “the safe return of our dear Nancy,” expressing deep gratitude to law enforcement and the public.

The investigation’s renewed scrutiny of that final evening stems from the abduction theory itself. Sheriff Nanos has described the act as likely premeditated and invasive—possibly occurring while Nancy slept, given her physical constraints and the absence of any voluntary departure. Sources familiar with the case (cited in outlets like the Los Angeles Times and New York Post) mention analysis of DNA evidence collected from the scene, cellphone forensics, potential blood traces inside the home, and reviews of any surveillance or neighborhood camera footage. A “mysterious car” spotted in the area has been referenced in some reports, though details remain limited to protect investigative integrity.

Large-scale search efforts continue unabated. Helicopters, drones, K-9 units (including federal support from U.S. Customs and Border Protection), ground teams, and volunteers have combed the rugged desert terrain surrounding Catalina Foothills. The FBI has been involved for expertise in potential abduction cases, and a tip line (520-351-4900) remains active, with a reward up to $2,500 via 88-CRIME for information leading to resolution or arrest.

Public reaction has been intense. Social media is filled with prayers, speculation about motives (ranging from ransom tied to Savannah’s celebrity status to personal grudges), and calls for Nancy’s safe return. The unusual nature of the case—an elderly woman with mobility issues taken from her home—has drawn comparisons to rare abduction profiles, with experts noting the absence of immediate ransom demands (as of February 3) as puzzling but not ruling out financial or other motives.

One detail sources say may prove pivotal: a seemingly minor moment from the dinner drop-off or the immediate aftermath. While not publicly detailed, investigators are reportedly re-examining overlooked elements—perhaps a passing vehicle, an unusual sound reported by neighbors, or a subtle change in Nancy’s routine—that could unlock the sequence of events. “Every second counts,” Nanos has stressed, particularly given Nancy’s medical needs.

As the probe intensifies, the Guthrie family remains united in hope and faith. Savannah’s messages echo a collective plea: “Bring her home.” The nation watches, prays, and waits for answers in what has become one of the most closely followed missing-person cases of the year.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to urge tips from the public. Anyone with information about suspicious activity near the home on January 31, unusual vehicles, or other details should contact authorities immediately. Until Nancy is found, the focus remains singular: her safe return to the family that loves her dearly.