TUCSON, AZ — The intensive search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, has entered its sixth day in Pima County, Arizona, with federal authorities escalating their involvement. As of February 6, 2026, local law enforcement remains without a confirmed suspect, though the case has now reached the highest levels of the U.S. government. Following a direct call between President Donald Trump and Savannah Guthrie, the FBI has mobilized specialized resources to assist the Pima County Sheriff’s Office in what has become a high-priority missing person investigation.
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, who was last seen on the evening of Saturday, January 31, 2026, has triggered a massive multi-agency response. Guthrie was dropped off at her home at approximately 9:50 p.m. that evening; the investigation into her disappearance began the following morning, February 1, after she failed to appear at church. Search efforts have focused on the rugged terrain of Pima County, utilizing aerial surveillance, K9 units, and ground search teams. Despite the passage of more than 130 hours since she was last seen, the Guthrie family remains hopeful. In a somber video statement released late Wednesday, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings pleaded for their mother’s safe return, stating, "We still believe Nancy is still out there." The family’s emotional appeal has resonated across social media, where the search for Nancy Guthrie has become a focal point for updates and public tips.
Federal Mobilization and White House Involvement
The case took a significant turn on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, when President Donald Trump spoke directly with Savannah Guthrie. President Trump confirmed the interaction, noting that he offered his full support and directed that federal law enforcement resources be made available to state and local officials. The administration is treating the matter with "utmost seriousness," coordinating through the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the FBI to ensure a comprehensive search effort.
The FBI is providing extensive technical and investigative support, including lead management and electronic data analysis. While local law enforcement remains the lead agency, the scale of the federal deployment reflects the high profile of the case. Federal authorities are working around the clock to provide logistical support to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, including forensic analysis and national database coordination.
The Investigation: Leads, Evidence, and Obstacles
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has maintained a tight lid on specific investigative details, but several key facts have emerged. Search teams have reportedly encountered challenges due to the vast and often inhospitable desert landscape surrounding Tucson. Investigative sources have confirmed that Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker app disconnected from her phone at 2:28 a.m. on Sunday, February 1, 2026, a detail that has added urgency to the search. Furthermore, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that blood matching Nancy Guthrie's DNA was found on the front porch of her home, leading forensic teams to process the residence as a potential crime scene.
In a related development, law enforcement confirmed the arrest of a 42-year-old male, Derrick Callella, in Hawthorne, California, on February 5, 2026. Callella was charged in relation to a hoax involving fake ransom demands sent via text to the family demanding Bitcoin. Authorities have warned that such distractions hinder the active search and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. The FBI continues to provide investigative support to identify any further persons of interest or leads related to the disappearance.
Agency Roles and Resource Allocation
| Agency | Primary Role | Key Resources Deployed |
|---|---|---|
| Pima County Sheriff’s Office | Lead Investigative Agency | Ground search teams, local detectives, community outreach. |
| FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigation) | Technical & Investigative Support | Lead management, electronic data analysis, forensic support. |
| White House / Executive Office | Coordination & Communication | High-level oversight, direct family liaison, federal resource authorization. |
Media Attention and Public Response
The intense media coverage and the rapid mobilization of federal resources have sparked significant public interest. While the majority of the public has expressed deep sympathy and support for the Guthrie family, the case has also highlighted the massive resource allocation often required for high-profile missing person investigations. Law enforcement maintains that the high-profile nature of the victim’s family often necessitates a larger response due to the increased likelihood of hoaxes and extortion attempts, as evidenced by the recent arrest in California.
Public interest remains high as the community of Tucson assists in spreading awareness. Despite the scrutiny, the Pima County Sheriff's Office has emphasized that their primary focus remains the safe recovery of Nancy Guthrie and that the cooperation from federal partners has been vital to the ongoing operation.
Timeline of Key Events
- January 31, 2026: Nancy Guthrie (84) is last seen at approximately 9:50 p.m. when she is dropped off at her home in Tucson.
- February 1, 2026: Nancy Guthrie is reported missing after failing to arrive at church. Her pacemaker app disconnects from her phone at 2:28 a.m.
- February 4, 2026: President Trump speaks with Savannah Guthrie to offer support and federal resources. The Guthrie family releases an emotional video plea.
- February 5, 2026: Derrick Callella (42) is arrested in Hawthorne, California, for a hoax involving fake Bitcoin ransom demands.
- February 6, 2026: Search enters Day 6. Local and federal units continue desert surveillance. No suspects have been officially named.
Geographic Challenges of the Pima County Search
The search area in Pima County presents significant logistical hurdles for investigators. The region is characterized by dense desert vegetation, rocky outcrops, and extreme temperature fluctuations. For an 84-year-old individual, the environment is particularly hostile. Search and Rescue (SAR) experts have noted that the "golden hour" for finding a missing person in such conditions has passed, yet the search continues with high intensity due to the possibility that Nancy Guthrie may have found shelter or been transported from the area.
The ruggedness of the Tucson Mountains to the west of the city has complicated search efforts. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated that his department is "leaving no stone unturned," and that the cooperation from federal partners has been "unprecedented."
Conclusion and Ongoing Efforts
As the sun sets on the sixth day of the search, the community of Tucson and the nation at large remain on edge. The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has evolved from a local missing person case into a national news event that touches on themes of federal authority and the vulnerabilities of the elderly. While the involvement of the FBI and the White House has provided the Pima County Sheriff’s Office with significant resources, the ultimate goal—the safe recovery of Nancy Guthrie—remains elusive.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Office or the FBI tip line. Nancy Guthrie is 84 years old and was last seen at her home in Tucson on the night of January 31. The Guthrie family has requested privacy during this difficult time but continues to encourage the public to share her photo and keep the search active in the public consciousness.
The investigation remains fluid, and further updates from local law enforcement are expected as the search moves into the weekend. For now, the focus remains on the desert floor of Pima County and the hope that Day 7 will bring the breakthrough that the Guthrie family and the nation are waiting for.
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