Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker lost connection with Apple devices still located inside her home at around 2 a.m. Sunday. The devices included an Apple Watch that was still on a charger, according to the report.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the pacemaker data marks the exact moment something happened to Nancy Guthrie, but investigators acknowledged the information is being reviewed as part of a broader timeline, Newsweek reported.
When asked on Tuesday about narrowing down the time frame of Nancy’s disappearance, Chris Nanos said investigators are being cautious.
“I really don’t want to get into narrowing down the time because narrowing it down means we could miss some tips and leads,” Nanos told reporters.
He said officials are “working to see if that time could be tightened up.”
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her home in Arizona on Saturday.
Nanos said family members dropped Nancy off at her house Saturday night. The following day, someone from Nancy’s church contacted the family to report that she had not attended services.
Nanos said the family spent time searching for Nancy before contacting law enforcement later Sunday.
As deputies responded, investigators observed what Nanos described as concerning signs inside the home.
“We believe now, after we processed that crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime, and we’re asking the community’s help,” Nanos said at a news conference.
The sheriff said evidence gathered at the scene indicated Nancy “did not leave on her own.”
Nanos declined to provide specific details about what investigators found inside the home, citing the ongoing investigation.
He also said Nancy requires daily medication and that missing doses for more than 24 hours could be fatal.
Authorities said those medical concerns have intensified the urgency of the search.
On Tuesday, investigators completed their processing of the home and turned it back over to the family.
DNA samples were collected and submitted for analysis as part of the investigation.
“We’ve gotten some back, but nothing to indicate any suspects,” Nanos said.
He declined to say whether the case appears to be random or targeted.
When asked directly whether investigators are searching for Nancy alive, Nanos responded, “We hope we are.”
TMZ reported that it obtained what appears to be a ransom note connected to the case, though the outlet said it has not verified the document.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it is aware of reports circulating about a possible ransom note.
“We are taking all tips and leads very seriously,” the department said in a statement posted to Facebook. “Anything that comes in goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”
Savannah Guthrie issued a public statement on Instagram asking for prayers and support.
“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him,” Guthrie wrote.
“Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment,” she added. “Bring her home.”
As the investigation continued, Donald Trump personally contacted Savannah Guthrie on Wednesday to offer support.
Trump reached out shortly after an interview with Tom Llamas, according to NBC.
The president told the Guthrie family that all available state and federal law enforcement resources were at their disposal.
Savannah Guthrie thanked Trump for taking the time to call and said her family is devastated but continuing to pray, Llamas said.
In a post on Truth Social later Wednesday, Trump said he had directed “ALL Federal Law Enforcement” to assist local authorities immediately.
“We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely,” Trump wrote.
“The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family,” he added. “GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!”