FBI Agents Arrive at Arizona Home in Nancy Guthrie Missing Person Investigation
In a significant escalation of the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, federal investigators were observed arriving at the Arizona home of her daughter, Annie Guthrie, on Tuesday afternoon. This development marks a transition into a more complex phase of the investigation, as authorities intensify their efforts to locate the missing octogenarian.
Unverified Claims About Family Member Examination Surface
The FBI's presence at the Tucson-area property coincided with unverified claims made by US journalist Ashleigh Banfield during a recent episode of the podcast Drop Dead Serious. Banfield reported that a law enforcement source informed her that a vehicle belonging to Annie Guthrie had been seized by authorities. Furthermore, the journalist suggested that investigators are exploring a possible connection involving Annie's husband, Tommaso Cioni.
According to Banfield's source, Cioni might be considered the prime suspect in the case. However, it is crucial to note that police have not publicly confirmed this information or named any suspects. These claims remain unverified and have not been independently confirmed by official channels.
Details of the FBI Visit to Annie Guthrie's Residence
Images published by the Daily Mail captured FBI agents descending on the USD 650,000 Tucson-area property shortly after 2:30 PM local time. Savannah Guthrie is believed to be staying with family members at this location. The federal agents remained inside the home for nearly two hours before departing without providing any comments to the media.
This visit underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case. Local officials have indicated that the investigation has moved beyond a routine missing-person inquiry. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that evidence recovered from Nancy Guthrie's residence suggests she may have been taken from her home against her will.
Expanded Investigation with Federal Support
The FBI has joined the investigation to provide analytical and technical support, which includes:
- Reviewing cellphone tower data to trace movements
- Conducting interviews with potential witnesses
- Following up on leads that have emerged during the investigation
Authorities have also acknowledged reports of alleged ransom notes sent to media outlets, though officials have not confirmed the authenticity of these communications. The investigation continues to develop as new information comes to light.
Timeline of Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen late Saturday night after spending the evening with her daughter Annie Guthrie, who is believed to be the last person to have seen her before she vanished. According to US Weekly, Annie informed Arizona police that the two had dinner together on January 31 and that she noticed no warning signs at the time.
When Nancy failed to appear at church the following morning and could not be contacted, family members searched the home and alerted authorities around noon on Sunday. Since that time, the property has been treated as a potential crime scene.
Family Response and Investigative Developments
Savannah Guthrie was preparing for international travel related to NBC's coverage of the upcoming Winter Olympics when she received what a source described as the worst phone call of her life. She is believed to have traveled immediately to Arizona to be with her family during this difficult time.
NBC has since shared the sheriff's department tip-line number across its platforms, while investigators continue to urge the public to come forward with any information that could help locate Nancy Guthrie.
Recently released footage showed dark stains near the entrance of Nancy's home, described by investigators as a possible blood trail. Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated that given Nancy's age and medical condition, she would not have been capable of leaving the house on her own.
Family members, including Savannah Guthrie, have remained in close contact with law enforcement throughout the investigation. Officials have confirmed that the family has been cooperative as investigators work under increasing public attention and time pressure to resolve this troubling case.
