Police in Arizona have issued an update in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, saying the case is now being treated as an abduction. She was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills outside Tucson around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 31 that night.
When she did not arrive for her usual church service Sunday morning, family members became concerned and went to check on her. After searching the house and finding no sign of her, they called 911 around noon, prompting law enforcement to respond quickly afterward there.
What deputies found inside the home immediately raised alarms. Lights were on, the door was unlocked, and her phone, wallet, and car were still there. Investigators also noted signs of forced entry, details that quickly pushed the case beyond a routine missing person report file.
Authorities initially launched an extensive search using helicopters, drones, aircraft, infrared technology, and ground teams, with volunteers assisting. By Monday, those efforts ended without results, and officials confirmed the operation had shifted to a full criminal investigation, underscoring the seriousness of what they believed had occurred.
Nancy Guthrie is 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighs about 150 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes. Officials stressed she has serious mobility limitations but no cognitive impairment, and warned she urgently needs daily medication, saying the lack of it could be fatal.
In a written statement released Monday, she said, “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.”
Later, she shared a brief message on social media, asking for prayers and support from the public. She closed the post with a simple plea, writing, “Bring her home.” Family members said their focus remained on hoping for her safe return during the search effort.
The case unsettled the normally quiet Catalina Foothills area, with neighbors cooperating with investigators and reviewing home security footage. Officials said community assistance has been important, but stressed the evidence inside the home, not speculation, is what drove the case toward an abduction investigation forward.
The county sheriff said investigators do not believe Nancy left on her own. He told reporters, “I believe she was abducted, yes. She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly.” He said the home is being treated as a crime scene based on evidence.
The sheriff said circumstances at the property were suspicious and concerning, though details were not released due to the active investigation. He emphasized that evidence found at the home pointed toward foul play, reinforcing the belief that this was not a voluntary disappearance by investigators.
Investigators said there is no clear motive yet, and no indication the case is tied to border activity, while the FBI assists. A partner nonprofit has offered a reward. The sheriff ended with a plea, saying, “Just call us, let her go,” to the public.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward and review security footage. They specifically asked residents to look for anything unusual between 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m., stressing that even small details could help bring Nancy home safely during the overnight hours.
