The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has taken yet another dramatic turn with reports that authorities have seized and towed a vehicle belonging to her daughter, Annie Guthrie. This development, which surfaced prominently through investigative journalist Ashleigh Banfield on her Drop Dead Serious podcast/YouTube channel, has fueled intense speculation about a possible link to Annie’s husband, Tommaso Cioni, Nancy’s son-in-law.
The case, already classified as a suspected abduction by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, centers on Nancy’s home in the affluent Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson, Arizona. She was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, after dinner with family members—specifically dropped off at her residence around 9:30–9:45 p.m. by Annie Guthrie. When she failed to attend church the next day, family searched the property, found disturbing signs (including blood evidence and signs of forced entry), and alerted authorities around noon on February 1. The home was immediately designated a crime scene, with the FBI joining the probe.
The Vehicle Seizure: A Major Investigative Step
According to Banfield, citing a law enforcement source, investigators have towed and impounded Annie Guthrie’s car as evidence. Banfield described the vehicle as having “some connection” to the case, noting that Annie was the last person to have direct contact with Nancy on the night she vanished. Reports suggest the car may have been the one used to transport Nancy home after dinner, raising questions about potential forensic evidence—such as trace DNA, fibers, blood, or other materials—that could tie it to the events.
This move aligns with standard procedure in abduction or suspicious disappearance cases, where vehicles of close contacts are often examined for clues. However, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has not officially confirmed the seizure. In statements released around February 4, 2026, authorities pushed back against unverified claims, stating they are “not confirming the car being seized” and expressing uncertainty about the origins of such reports. Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized that the investigation remains broad, with detectives interviewing anyone who had recent contact with Nancy and awaiting additional forensic results.
Tommaso Cioni Under Scrutiny in Media Reports
The vehicle seizure has intensified focus on Tommaso Cioni, 50, Annie’s husband and a Tucson resident. Banfield’s reporting described Cioni as potentially a “prime suspect” or someone being “looked at heavily,” again citing her law enforcement source. She qualified the claim cautiously (“maybe, maybe a prime suspect”), acknowledging that families are routinely examined early in such cases to rule them out.
Cioni, reportedly a sixth-grade science teacher (with past LinkedIn details indicating involvement in education, including at Basis Oro Valley School), was part of the last known interaction with Nancy alongside Annie. Some reports suggest he may have been present for the dinner, though this remains unconfirmed. No arrests have been made, and no one has been publicly named a suspect or person of interest.
In response to the swirl of speculation—particularly Banfield’s claims—Sheriff Nanos issued a firm denial on February 4, stating: “At this point, investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case.” He described the spread of “unverified accusations or false information” as “irresponsible” and not helpful to the probe. Authorities stressed ongoing cooperation with the Guthrie family and the pursuit of hundreds of leads.
Broader Evidence and Context
This latest development builds on prior chilling details:
Blood evidence — Droplets or trails outside the front door and possibly indoors, suggesting injury during removal.
Security tampering — Reports (including from Banfield) that multiple Nest cameras were deliberately smashed or disabled, with the Ring doorbell camera missing. A back door was found wide open.
Multiple footprints — More than two distinct sets outside the home, indicating several people may have been involved.
Ransom notes — At least one (possibly more) alleged demands for millions in Bitcoin, containing specific details about Nancy’s clothing that night; the FBI is verifying authenticity.
Timeline clues — Pacemaker data reportedly showed a last signal around 2 a.m. on February 1, with her phone and medications left behind.
Searches continue in the surrounding desert and foothills, though emphasis has shifted toward forensics, interviews, and digital evidence. Nancy’s medical needs—daily medication for high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and cardiac issues—make her recovery time-sensitive.
Family and Community Response
Savannah Guthrie has paused her Today show duties, including Olympics coverage, to support her family. She and relatives have expressed anguish and appreciation for law enforcement efforts. Annie Guthrie and Tommaso Cioni have been seen publicly since the case broke, reportedly distressed and avoiding media after FBI visits to their nearby home.
The high-profile nature of the case has amplified attention but also speculation, prompting warnings from officials against misinformation. The vehicle seizure—if confirmed—represents a significant escalation, potentially narrowing focus on family contacts. Yet authorities maintain no conclusions have been reached, urging the public to provide tips rather than assumptions.
As the investigation presses forward, the hope endures that these developments lead to Nancy’s safe return. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The case remains active, with every hour critical.
