Savannah Guthrie speaks out after mom's disappearance as police investigate possible abduction
Today show host Savannah Guthrie has issued a statement following the disappearance of her mom, Nancy, as officials have expressed concerns that the 84-year-old may have been abducted.
Nancy was last seen on the evening of January 31 at her home in Arizona. The elderly woman doesn't have any cognitive issues, but police have said she's 'very limited in her mobility', with Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos insisting that 'she didn't just walk out' of her home.
Speaking to CBS News on February 2, Nanos expressed belief Nancy 'was abducted'.
"She didn't walk from there. She didn't go willingly," he said. "We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us. We believe now after we've processed that crime scene that we do in fact have a crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime, and we're asking the community's help."
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Nancy is in need of daily medication, and as the investigation into her disappearance continues, Guthrie took to Instagram to share an image which reads 'please pray'.
In the caption, the chat show host wrote: "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.
"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."
Guthrie went on to tell her followers: "We need you. He will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
"A verse of Isaiah for all time for all of us. Bring her home."
In another statement issued on behalf of her family, Guthrie said: "On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom."
Officials have urged neighbors around Nancy's home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue to review home camera footage for any signs of evidence which could help in the case. Nancy is described as being 5 feet, 5 inches tall, with brown hair and blue eyes and weighing 150 pounds.
Nanos added: "I want to stress to you, and it is really important: Miss Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie is of great sound mind. This is not a dementia-related; she is as sharp as a tack.
"The family wants everybody to know this isn't somebody who just wandered off."
Anyone with information about Nancy's disappearance is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
Emily Brown