The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has taken a significant turn, as authorities in Pima County, Arizona, confirmed a major development that shifts the focus of the case.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, has been missing since January 31, 2026. She was last seen being dropped off at her home near Tucson. In the weeks that followed, uncertainty and fear were compounded by widespread online speculation, with social media users theorizing about potential suspects and circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
On Monday, Pima County Sheriff’s Department officially cleared members of the Guthrie family from suspicion, issuing a firm statement aimed at dispelling persistent rumors.
Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the public directly, acknowledging that the intense scrutiny had placed additional strain on a family already grappling with uncertainty. “The Guthrie family—including all siblings and spouses—has been cleared as possible suspects in this case,” Nanos stated. He emphasized that their cooperation throughout the investigation had been consistent and forthcoming.
The clarification comes after weeks of online discussion focused on Tommaso Cioni, the last known person to see Nancy Guthrie before her disappearance. Because he dropped her off at her residence the evening she vanished, he became the subject of speculation across various platforms. Authorities stressed that proximity to a timeline does not equate to involvement, and they described suggestions of family wrongdoing as unfounded and harmful.
By formally identifying the Guthrie family as victims, law enforcement officials are attempting to redirect attention toward verified evidence rather than conjecture.
While relatives have been ruled out, investigators confirmed that evidence suggests the involvement of an unknown third party.
According to officials, forensic teams working alongside the Federal Bureau of Investigation have identified a key piece of physical evidence recovered near the Guthrie home. A single glove discovered close to the property is believed to match one seen in doorbell camera footage captured the night Nancy disappeared.
The footage reportedly shows a masked individual approaching the residence. Authorities have not released the video publicly but confirmed that the garment appears consistent with the glove found at the scene. The discovery has significantly altered the direction of the investigation.
What initially began as a missing persons case has now escalated into what officials describe as a high-priority kidnapping investigation.
Sheriff Nanos urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information online, noting that speculation can compromise investigations and inflict unnecessary pain on families. He reiterated that law enforcement remains committed to pursuing credible leads and examining forensic findings thoroughly.
Community members in the Tucson area have continued organizing search efforts and awareness campaigns, hoping for Nancy’s safe return. Meanwhile, investigators are analyzing surveillance data, forensic evidence, and potential witness accounts in an effort to identify the masked individual seen near the property.
Authorities have not yet announced any arrests or identified a suspect publicly. However, they maintain that the new forensic link provides a clearer investigative path.
As the case continues to develop, officials are encouraging anyone with information related to January 31 events near the Guthrie residence to contact local law enforcement.
For now, the family has been given what Sheriff Nanos described as a “necessary reprieve” from suspicion — but the search for answers remains ongoing.
