Authorities investigating the case of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, searched a septic tank located behind her residence on Sunday. Drone footage captured them opening the cover of a manhole in the backyard.
A Pima County Sheriff’s Office deputy stands outside the home of Nancy Guthrie on Feb. 8, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of American journalist and television presenter Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her home in the early hours of February 1. (Getty Images via AFP)Three detectives were seen inserting a long pole into a manhole located behind the house. However, no additional details about the purpose of their search have been released, according to the NY POST.
Investigators left without a finding. The reasons behind their decision to inspect the septic tank remain unclear.
The development comes as law enforcement reiterated that they have not identified any suspects or persons of interest in the case.
The 84-year-old woman was last seen more than a week ago after her daughter Annie Guthrie and son-in-law Tommaso Cioni dropped her off at her Tucson home.
Also read: Is Cameron Guthrie Married? Inside his personal life and bond with sister Savannah
Why did Nancy Guthrie police search the septic tank?Amid the search, a former law enforcement official said investigators looking for Nancy Guthrie were examining her septic tank for evidence that could have been disposed of down the toilet.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, former SWAT team captain Josh Shearard said, “A lot of people forget that having a septic tank means the wastewater doesn’t go into the city sewer, it goes into the tank.”
“So, one might think something would get rid of it, but instead it would actually accumulate in the septic tank. It’s a possibility that [investigators] Now trying to ensure that there is nothing there that could indicate any kind of crime,” he added.
Also read: Annie Guthrie and Tommaso Cioni’s marriage and children: Inside their relationship amid ‘prime suspect’ claims
Nancy Guthrie’s children express heartfelt pleasPotential ransom notes have been sent to several news organizations in the past week, with one note demanding a payment of $6 million in bitcoins.
On Saturday, Savannah and her two siblings released a second video pointing to their mother’s possible abductors.
“We received your message, and we understand. We are now asking you to return our mother so we can celebrate with her,” Savannah said.
“This is the only way we will have peace… It is very valuable to us, and we will pay,” he added.
According to The Post, law enforcement was seen returning to Annie’s residence on Saturday, leaving her property with a silver Celebrity case, which is used to recover digital forensic evidence.
