Data from her Apple Watch helped investigators narrow the time of the overnight abduction of Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her home in the Tucson area between the evening of Saturday, February 1, and the early morning hours of Sunday. Authorities say the evidence no longer supports a voluntary disappearance and are treating the case as a suspected abduction.
Law-enforcement sources said Guthrie's implanted pacemaker stopped communicating with her Apple devices at about 2 a.m. on February 2. When deputies later entered the home around midday, 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, presumably before bedtime. Apple Watch removal does not stop pacemaker data syncing.
Authorities haven't said 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 shifted from broad search efforts to focusing on forensic analysis, surveillance review, and digital evidence.
Guthrie is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, a longtime NBC News journalist and co-anchor of Today. Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from her on-air duties as the investigation continues and has asked the public for prayers and information.
Possible injury and ransom messages under investigation
Investigators think there's evidence Guthrie was hurt while she was being taken, but they haven't shared what kind of injuries she might have. Officials are keeping details under wraps to protect the investigation, which is common in these types of cases.
Law enforcement are also examining messages sent to media outlets that seem like ransom demands. Some emails claim responsibility for Guthrie's disappearance and ask for payment, even mentioning details about her home and personal life.
Authorities haven't confirmed if the messages are real, coordinated, or just hoaxes. They're treating the communications as investigative leads instead of proof of responsibility.
Savannah Guthrie expressed her gratitude to the public for their support and encouraged anyone with information to reach out to the authorities. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos mentioned that investigators are concentrating on figuring 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 submit tips through 88-CRIME (520-882-7463).
