The quiet Catalina Foothills area just outside of Tucson, Arizona, has suddenly become the center of national attention after the suspected kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “The Today Show” anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Normally known for its clear views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and its amazing night sky, which keeps the stars visible, the neighborhood is now filled with police, reporters, and worried residents.
In an interview with the BBC, Resident Suasan Crosson stated, “It’s unbelievable. This doesn’t happen here.”
She was walking with her daughter and newborn grandson.
Crosson lives near Guthrie’s house but doesn’t personally know the family. “We’re shocked,” she said. “We’re locking our doors.”
Security outside the Guthrie home has increased. A guard now stands out front to keep journalists and curious people away.
Near the house, someone put up a homemade sign that reads, “Dear Guthrie Family, your neighbors stand with you.”
Neighbor Laura Gargano, who serves on the Catalina Foothills Association board, said “some people in the area are upgrading their security systems and reviewing any available camera footage to help investigators.”
She also stated, “The neighborhood is usually peaceful. Her own cameras mostly pick up coyotes and bobcats.”
In an interview with the BBC, Gargano stated, “I’ve just been very alarmed… not for my safety, to be honest, it’s for Nancy.”
“I just don’t want to imagine what happened that night and what she might have felt at that moment.”
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will around 2:30 a.m. on February 1st.
Officers found signs of forced entry, a missing security camera, and blood at the scene. DNA tests later confirmed the blood was hers.
Authorities are also looking into several ransom notes that may be linked to the kidnapping. So far, police have not named any suspects.
One person has already been arrested for sending a fake ransom note to the Guthrie family, but officials say other messages are being treated as possible letters. At least three news outlets, including TMZ and the local CBS station KOLD-TV, report receiving ransom emails.
The messages reportedly demanded millions of dollars in bitcoin in exchange for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. Police say the emails included specific details about Guthrie and the crime scene, which is why investigators are taking them seriously.
At law enforcement’s request, they have not shared all the details publicly, including deadlines and the full list of demands. On Saturday, the Guthrie family released a video statement. In it, Savannah Guthrie spoke directly to the kidnappers.
“We received your message,” she said. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. And we will pay.”
Local churches have become important gathering places as the community copes. Ed Coates of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, which Nancy has attended before, called the situation “heartbreaking for the whole community.”
“We love Nancy, and we’re praying for [her],” he said. Nearby, St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church held a candlelight vigil for Guthrie.
Neighbors came together to light candles and pray for her safe return, even as the investigation continues.
