Savannah Guthrie’s brother-in-law could be prime suspect in missing mom case, journalist claims

This article has been updated with new information about the Nancy Guthrie case

Update: Savannah Guthrie's brother-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, is not a suspect or person of interest in Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping.

The cops commented on the matter after independent journalist Ashleigh Banfield had claimed that Cioni was a suspect and authorities had spoken to him. 

The Pima County Sheriff's Department clarified that while they may have contacted him, it was for a very different reason. 

The department shared: "We have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case. Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie. We are also awaiting additional forensic results."

They also said, "We are not confirming the car being seized, we are unsure where that reporter is getting that information."

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TUCSON, AZ: A major development has emerged in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of ‘TODAY’ host Savannah Guthrie.

Journalist Ashleigh Banfield reported on Tuesday night, February 3, that Nancy’s son-in-law, 50-year-old Tommaso Cioni, had been identified by a law enforcement source as a prime suspect.

Cioni is married to Savannah’s sister, Annie Guthrie. Authorities said that the couple were the last known people to see Nancy on Saturday night, January 31, after dropping her home following dinner.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, however, has not formally named Cioni as a suspect.

Evidence points toward family vehicle

As the probe intensified, investigators towed and impounded a vehicle registered to Annie Guthrie, according to Banfield. The vehicle reportedly had “some connection” to Cioni, though law enforcement has not disclosed what evidence prompted the seizure.

Authorities also found that all security cameras at Nancy’s Catalina Foothills residence had been smashed or removed.

Combined with signs of forced entry, the damage led Sheriff Nanos to classify the property as an active crime scene rather than a routine missing persons case.

Officials have underscored the urgency of the situation, noting that Nancy requires daily medication for ongoing health conditions despite remaining mentally alert.

Blood trail discovered at residence

Physical evidence at the home raised further concern. A video aired by NewsNation showed a trail of blood drops leading to the front steps of the residence. The Los Angeles Times reported that DNA samples collected at the scene were confirmed to belong to Nancy.

Separately, TMZ reported receiving an unverified ransom note from an anonymous source demanding a “substantial amount” of Bitcoin for her release. The FBI and local authorities are examining the note as part of the broader investigation.

Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from her duties on ‘TODAY’ and the 2026 Winter Olympics to remain in Arizona with her family during the search.

Federal support offered as search efforts intensify

With several days having passed since Nancy was last seen, Sheriff Nanos warned that “the clock is literally ticking” due to her medical needs. Investigators believe that she may have been taken from the home overnight and against her will.

Federal officials have offered support to local authorities. President Donald Trump called the disappearance a “terrible thing” and said that federal resources were available if needed.

Law enforcement continues to canvass the neighborhood and is asking residents to provide any surveillance footage from Saturday night. As the investigation narrows, authorities say that the priority remains locating Nancy safely and determining who is responsible.

No suspect or person of interest named

Investigators clarified that the case remained wide open with no identified suspects so far.

In a public update on Wednesday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that detectives had not named a suspect or person of interest in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84.

Authorities said that officers were continuing to track down and interview anyone who might have had recent contact with her as they pieced together a timeline.

The department added that detectives were working closely with Guthrie’s family as the search intensified.

Officials reiterated that the case was being investigated as a potential crime, signaling that law enforcement was treating the disappearance with heightened urgency even as concrete leads remained limited.

Ransom note sent to the local station

Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed an additional development: A ransom note was sent to a local Arizona news outlet shortly after Guthrie vanished.

According to Nanos, the message included specific details about Guthrie’s home and what she was reportedly wearing the night she disappeared.

While authorities have not confirmed the authenticity or legitimacy of the note, they said that it was being taken seriously.

One station, CBS affiliate KOLD-TV, reported receiving an email that appeared to be connected to the alleged ransom demand and immediately forwarded it to law enforcement.

Detectives have since analyzed the communication as part of the active investigation.