Authorities have responded to new claims that Savannah Guthrie’s brother-in-law has been made the “prime suspect” in her mother’s disappearance.
Nancy Guthrie, mother of TODAY show co-anchor Savannah, has been missing since Saturday, January 31.
A large search-and-rescue effort has sought to locate her without success in the area surrounding her home in Catalina Foothills, north of Tucson, Arizona. On Monday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he “believes a crime has been committed.”
“At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night. Taken against her will includes possible kidnapping or abduction,” Nanos said.
“We have an 84-year-old woman who went to bed Saturday night and came Sunday morning, she’s gone. We know, at least we believe, and I believe we know, she did not walk out of that home on her own.”
The Pima County sheriff added that Nancy’s “physical mobility was quite limited for a variety of reasons.” He explained it’s highly unlikely she wandered off by herself.
The police department is working to review home security footage in the area, while reports claim they have taken what is believed to be “biological DNA type evidence.”
“She is really just as sharp as a tack,” Nanos told People. “And that too is concerning that here you have this lady who’s got all her wits about her, she knows what’s going on. So yeah, somebody came into that home, and I believe took her out there without her permission. It was against her will.”
All manner of speculation has spread on the internet relating to the mysterious disappearance, including claims that Savannah Guthrie’s brother-in-law, Tomasso Cioni, might be the prime suspect.
Law enforcement have now moved to clarify that no suspects have been identified in the ongoing investigation.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department stated yesterday morning (February 3): “We have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case,” per TMZ.
“Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie. We are also awaiting additional forensic results.”
They also dismissed reports that Cioni’s vehicle had been seized, adding: “We are not confirming the car being seized; we are unsure where that reporter is getting that information.”
Savannah Guthrie turned to social media earlier this week to express her gratitude for the support and prayers coming from the public.
“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him,” she wrote.
“Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.”
READ MORE
- Nancy Guthrie’s neighbor shares chilling details about alleged kidnapping
- Heartbreaking way Savannah Guthrie learned about her mother’s ‘kidnapping‘
