The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has intensified significantly as law enforcement authorities reportedly investigate her brother-in-law as a potential suspect in this troubling disappearance case.
Brother-in-Law Identified as Person of Interest
On Tuesday, February 3, former NewsNation host Ashleigh Banfield revealed that investigators have identified Tommaso Cioni, the brother-in-law of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, as a person of interest in the case. This development was first reported by OK! magazine and represents a significant turn in the investigation.
Timeline of Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen around 9:30 pm on Saturday, January 31, after being dropped home by a family member following dinner. When she failed to attend church services on Sunday morning, another churchgoer alerted the family, prompting a welfare check and subsequent 911 call around noon.
According to Banfield's reporting, investigators are examining a possible connection between daughter Annie Guthrie's vehicle and Nancy Guthrie's son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, who is married to Annie. Citing a law enforcement source, Banfield reported that Cioni, a 50-year-old resident of Tucson, Arizona, is being treated as a prime suspect in the case.
Who is Tommaso Cioni?
In an episode of Drop Dead Serious titled 'Stunning New Twist: Savannah's Sister's Car Seized, Cameras Smashed | Nancy Guthrie Missing Update,' Banfield provided details about Cioni's background and current circumstances.
Background and Current Life
Banfield noted that Cioni is originally from Tucson and has lived there since 2006. Referring to an online biography from the Tapirulan Cultural Association – an Italian nonprofit organization that promotes contemporary artists – Banfield revealed that Cioni has diverse interests including writing, studying lizards, and playing the electric bass.
Citing LinkedIn information, Banfield further noted that Cioni's account indicates he works as a teacher at Basis Oro Valley School, where he serves as a primary instructor for sixth-grade science and Advanced Placement biology courses. "It says he's a primary instructor for sixth grade science and AP biology," Banfield confirmed during her reporting.
Family Response and Investigation Developments
Savannah Guthrie was notably absent from the 'Today' show on both Monday and Tuesday as she remained with her family during the ongoing search for her mother. She issued a statement that was read on air, expressing gratitude to viewers for their thoughts, prayers, and support during this difficult time.
FBI Involvement Expands
In a significant development on Tuesday, FBI agents were spotted at the Arizona home of Savannah Guthrie's sister, Annie Guthrie, as part of the expanding investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. Photographs captured FBI agents and sheriff's deputies leaving the property after a two-hour meeting with family members.
Officials declined to comment as they exited the home, maintaining the confidentiality of the ongoing investigation. Savannah Guthrie is also believed to have been present during this meeting with law enforcement officials.
The investigation continues to develop as authorities pursue multiple leads in their search for Nancy Guthrie, with the identification of Tommaso Cioni as a person of interest marking a crucial development in this high-profile missing persons case.
