Missing Person Case: Nancy Guthrie — Facts and English Practice

Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her home in the Catalina Foothills north of Tucson late on January 31; she was last seen at about 9:30 p.m. and a family member reported her missing on February 1 after she failed to appear at church. Neighbors and relatives searched the property before law enforcement was called, and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department opened an investigation that has rapidly been elevated because of evidence found at the scene.

Forensic teams processed the residence and detectives have described the house as a crime scene; investigators have identified signs of forced entry and reports have noted blood inside the home, while DNA samples taken there have been matched to Mrs. Guthrie. The FBI is providing analytical and technical support, and investigators are also examining reports of ransom notes as one possible lead. A tipline and an anonymous reporting option through 88-CRIME have been established, and a reward of up to $2,500 has been offered for information leading to an arrest.

Savannah Guthrie has remained in Arizona with her family and did not appear on the Today show as she has focused on the search; she has asked the public for prayer and has thanked people for their messages of support. Volunteers, Border Patrol and search teams assisted in early searches, but investigators have said the case must be treated as investigative work rather than a standard search because of the apparent criminal indicators.

Authorities have urged residents to review doorbell and security camera footage and to submit any images promptly, since Mrs. Guthrie requires daily medication and her condition makes every hour critical. If witnesses or cameras captured relevant movement near Skyline and Campbell on the night of January 31, law enforcement says that information could be crucial.