Nancy Guthrie Case Takes Dramatic Turn with Police Search of Daughter's Home
The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has intensified with a significant new development. Law enforcement officials conducted multiple searches at the residence of her elder daughter, Annie Guthrie, over the weekend, raising questions about the direction of the probe.
Search Operations at Annie Guthrie's Property
According to reports from PEOPLE magazine, police were observed at the home of Annie Guthrie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni, late on Saturday evening, February 7. The search operation, which lasted approximately two and a half hours from 8 PM to 10:30 PM local time, involved investigators examining the property thoroughly.
The couple's recently purchased home, valued at around $650,000, is situated just ten minutes from Nancy Guthrie's residence in Tucson, Arizona. This proximity has drawn attention from investigators working on the case.
FBI Special Agent Tracy Walder commented to PEOPLE that authorities likely obtained either Annie's permission, a search warrant, or both before conducting the search. "The back and forth is of course odd and we don't see that a lot," Walder noted regarding the searching parties' behavior, suggesting it could be attributed to various factors including reactions to ransom note details or new suspects emerging.
Evidence Collection and Multiple Searches
During the search operations, investigators were seen removing several items from the property. A police officer was observed leaving Annie's home with a white suitcase containing evidence processing tools and a brown bag of potential evidence.
Local reporters have indicated that investigators opened the septic tank at the house during their examination. The search at Annie's residence reportedly occurred twice on Sunday, following an earlier incident on Saturday when police took the couple's car for investigation and removed security cameras from their house.
Family's Public Appeal Amid Investigation
The police search came just hours after Annie Guthrie and her siblings—NBC TODAY show host Savannah Guthrie and Camron Guthrie—released a new video message directed at their mother's potential kidnapper. "Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven't heard anything directly," the siblings stated in their emotional appeal.
This public plea underscores the family's growing concern as the investigation continues without clear communication from those allegedly holding Nancy Guthrie.
Official Status: Is Annie Guthrie a Suspect?
Despite the intensive search operations at her home, Annie Guthrie is not officially considered a suspect at this time. The Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) clarified on February 8 that there are currently no suspects or persons of interest identified in the investigation into Nancy's disappearance.
The department stated: "The Nancy Guthrie investigation is ongoing. Follow-up continues at multiple locations. No suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles have been identified." PCSD added that they would call for a press conference if any significant developments occur in the case.
Background of Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31 when her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, dropped her off at her home after she had dinner with him and Annie at their residence. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos previously provided this timeline to The New York Times.
Investigators have discovered troubling evidence at Nancy's home, including a trail of what appears to be blood on the front steps that authorities have confirmed belongs to the missing woman. Additionally, remnants of a Ring camera had been removed from the front door area, according to PEOPLE's confirmation.
Ransom Demands and Investigation Timeline
Authorities are actively investigating an alleged ransom note demanding $6 million that was sent to media outlets. FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke revealed that the note's sender initially set a deadline of 5 PM on February 5.
A second deadline has now been established for Monday, February 9, adding urgency to the investigation as law enforcement agencies work to locate Nancy Guthrie and identify those responsible for her disappearance.
The case continues to develop as multiple agencies coordinate their efforts in what has become a complex missing person investigation with potential criminal elements.
