Data from her Apple Watch helped investigators narrow down the late-night abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Tucson-area home between the evening of Saturday, February 1 and the early hours of Sunday morning. Authorities say the evidence no longer supports a voluntary disappearance and are investigating the case as a suspected kidnapping.
Law enforcement sources said Guthrie’s implanted pacemaker stopped communicating with her Apple devices at about 2 a.m. on Feb. 2. When deputies entered the home later around noon, her iPhone and Apple Watch were still inside.
Investigators believe Guthrie arrived home around 9:30 p.m. on February 1, with the watch removed sometime in the evening, possibly before going to bed. Removing the Apple Watch does not stop pacemaker data from syncing.
Authorities did not say why the pacemaker stopped syncing, only that the data helped narrow the window during which she disappeared.
Blood and signs of forced entry were discovered inside the residence, prompting authorities to treat it as a crime scene. As a result, they have moved away from large-scale searches to focus on forensics, surveillance and digital evidence.
Guthrie is the mother of longtime NBC News journalist and co-founder Savannah Guthrie Today. Savannah Guthrie has stepped down from her broadcasting duties while the investigation continues and has asked for the public’s prayers and information.
Reports of possible injury and ransom are being investigated
Investigators believe there is evidence Guthrie was injured while being taken away, but have not said what her injuries might be. Officials are keeping details under wraps to protect the investigation, which is common in these types of cases.
Law enforcement is also investigating messages sent to the media that appear to be ransom demands. Some emails claim responsibility for Guthrie’s disappearance and demand payment, even mentioning details of her home and personal life.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the reports are real, coordinated or just hoaxes. They treat communications as investigative leads instead of proof of liability.
Savannah Guthrie expressed her gratitude to the public for their support and urged anyone with information to contact authorities. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos mentioned that investigators are focused on finding out where Guthrie was taken and who might be responsible.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900 or send tips to 88-CRIME (520-882-7463).