Federal and local authorities have escalated efforts to locate Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, who disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona home more than two weeks ago. In the latest development, law enforcement deployed a specialized device known as a “signal sniffer” mounted to a Pima County Sheriff’s Department helicopter. Officials hope the device may help track Guthrie via her pacemaker, adding a high-tech dimension to an already extensive search operation.
Nancy Guthrie vanished from her $1 million home in the upscale Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson in the early hours of February 1. Despite an intensive investigation that has involved both local law enforcement and federal agencies, authorities have yet to uncover definitive leads on her whereabouts. Over the past two weeks, the search has encompassed ground teams, K-9 units, and aerial surveillance, but investigators had reached a point where conventional methods were producing limited results.
In response, investigators resorted to technological measures. The “signal sniffer,” a compact device capable of detecting electronic signals from medical devices such as pacemakers, was installed on one of the skids of the sheriff’s helicopter. Experts note that the pacemaker emits a very short-range signal, meaning the helicopter must fly close to the device in order to pick up the transmission. This method, while labor-intensive, represents a unique opportunity to narrow the search area for Guthrie.
Maureen O’Connell, a former FBI special agent, explained that federal authorities are likely deploying multiple technological tools simultaneously in the effort to locate Guthrie. She stated, “With regards to this particular tool… I do know that the pacemaker sends off a very short-distance alert, or whatever, so they’re going to have to get really close to be able to ping the device.” According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Guthrie’s pacemaker had been disconnected from a linked phone app just before 2:30 a.m. on the morning she disappeared, suggesting a window of potential tracking before the device lost connectivity.
The investigation has been complicated by security footage from Guthrie’s home. A Nest doorbell camera had been disabled less than an hour prior to the disappearance, at 1:47 a.m., by an unidentified masked individual. Video captured the suspect removing the camera from the doorframe and attempting to obscure it with flowers taken from Guthrie’s front entrance. Law enforcement described the figure as approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build, and carrying a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack.
Since releasing the footage, authorities have received tens of thousands of tips from the public. Despite this influx of information, Sheriff Chris Nanos expressed concern that the search could take years. Speaking to The New York Times, he said, “This could take a very long time. There is no guarantee we will find Nancy quickly, and every lead must be pursued thoroughly.”
Still, there have been some promising developments. DNA recovered from Guthrie’s property did not match her own genetic material or that of anyone known to have close contact with her, providing a critical piece of evidence that the suspect is likely an outsider. Investigators have also recovered several gloves within a radius of roughly two to ten miles from Guthrie’s home. However, Nanos cautioned that there is no definitive connection between the gloves and the masked individual in the security footage.
Federal agents have actively pursued leads on the ground. On Friday night, authorities were seen conducting a traffic stop on a gray Range Rover and executing a search warrant on a nearby home with the assistance of a SWAT team. One man was briefly detained in connection with the raids and described by Nanos as a “person of interest.” Authorities have clarified that this individual is cooperating with the investigation, but they have not disclosed any direct link to Guthrie’s disappearance. Following questioning, the individual was released, and no arrests have been made.
Residents of the Catalina Foothills neighborhood have been directly affected by the ongoing investigation. David Curl, who has lived next door to Guthrie’s home for three decades, described the experience of neighbors during the SWAT raid. According to Curl, a homeowner in the area was forced to leave her house while investigators searched the premises, spending the night at Curl’s residence. The homeowner reported being unaware of why law enforcement had focused on her property and indicated that her adult son had been questioned and released. These accounts underscore the intense disruption the investigation has caused in the community, highlighting the broad impact of Guthrie’s disappearance.
Authorities are utilizing a multi-pronged approach in the search. Ground searches continue, supported by K-9 units trained in human scent detection, while aerial reconnaissance, including the newly deployed signal-sniffer helicopter, allows investigators to survey hard-to-reach terrain efficiently. Law enforcement is also examining environmental and technological clues, including surveillance cameras from neighboring homes, local businesses, and traffic intersections. In addition, investigators are canvassing potential witnesses and reviewing reports of suspicious activity in the area around the time of Guthrie’s disappearance.
Sheriff Nanos has emphasized the importance of careful, methodical investigation, stating that authorities are focused on “tracking down leads” while ensuring all legal protocols are followed. This approach includes thorough documentation of evidence, interviews with potential witnesses, and the collection of any electronic or physical material that could help locate Guthrie. Federal agencies, including the FBI, continue to coordinate closely with local law enforcement to leverage resources and expertise in the ongoing search.
The deployment of the signal-sniffer represents a strategic attempt to leverage modern technology in the absence of conventional leads. While these devices cannot guarantee immediate results, they provide investigators with a potential advantage by tracking the unique electronic signature of Guthrie’s pacemaker. This high-tech measure reflects both the urgency and complexity of the investigation, highlighting how law enforcement agencies are adapting to challenging circumstances.
As the search continues, authorities are asking the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could assist in locating Nancy Guthrie. Investigators stress that even seemingly minor details could prove pivotal. Tips can be submitted directly to the FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Office. The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to coordinate efforts across multiple agencies to maximize the chances of finding Guthrie safely.
While no arrests have been made, law enforcement remains committed to leaving no lead unexplored. The combination of ground searches, aerial technology, DNA evidence, and public tips forms a comprehensive strategy aimed at locating Nancy Guthrie. Meanwhile, the community and the Guthrie family continue to cope with uncertainty, hoping for a breakthrough that will bring closure to this troubling case.
Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has drawn national attention not only because of her connection to Savannah Guthrie but also because of the circumstances surrounding the event. The calculated removal of security devices, the disabling of her pacemaker app, and the deliberate masking of identifying features on video footage indicate a level of planning that has heightened concern among investigators. Each piece of evidence is being analyzed meticulously as authorities seek to reconstruct the events of February 1 and identify those responsible.
The case also underscores broader questions about personal safety, technology security, and how law enforcement can utilize innovative tools to locate missing persons. The signal-sniffer, while only one component of the search, may provide critical insights and represents an intersection of traditional investigative methods with emerging technology. As investigators continue to refine their approach, the hope is that these efforts will ultimately lead to locating Nancy Guthrie and bringing her home safely.
For now, the search remains ongoing, with federal agents, local law enforcement, and search-and-rescue teams working tirelessly in and around Tucson. Authorities encourage anyone with potentially relevant information, video footage, or insights to come forward, stressing that even small details could prove instrumental in resolving this high-profile and distressing case.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
