Savannah Guthrie's mom missing, officials say it's 'a crime'

For the latest updates, read USA TODAY's live coverage of the case.

Officials in Arizona are seeking the public's help to find Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie.

In a briefing on Feb. 2, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said that search and rescue teams have been unable to locate Nancy Guthrie, 84, who was reported missing from her home outside Tucson around noon on Feb. 1.

"We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us," he said. "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 noted Guthrie has "some physical challenges" and requires daily medication "that if she doesn't have in 24 hours, it could be fatal."

While the sheriff said it "would be inappropriate" to share further details about the scene, he told reporters there were indications Guthrie "did not leave on her own." He also added that there were no other caregivers or family members missing, and that the family has been very cooperative with authorities. "Our hearts go out to them, this is their mom."

"She is very limited in her mobility," he said. "We know she didn't just walk out of there." He mentioned there were other signs at the home that supported that she did not leave on her own, but did not share further details.

The family "wants everybody to know" that Guthrie is "of great, sound mind," so "this is not dementia related" and she did not wander off, Nanos also said.

Nanos previously said the Pima County Sheriff's Office received a 911 call at around noon on Sunday, Feb. 1, reporting Nancy missing from her home.

"Ms. Guthrie is 84 years old and is not of good physical health and so naturally we have some great concerns," he said Sunday. "The scene at the house also has some concerns for us as well."

Tom Winter, national law enforcement and intelligence correspondent for NBC, shared on the "Today" show Monday that authorities "were able to get out helicopters [Sunday] night that use infrared cameras" for their search. "They’ve got drones up. They’ve enlisted the help of the Customs and Border Protection… The FBI’s also aware of this case as well.”

During Tuesday's briefing, Nanos said the search and rescue mission has been shut down, as officials no longer "see this as a search mission as much as we do a crime scene."

In a statement issued to USA TODAY, Savannah Guthrie, who was absent from Monday's "Today" broadcast, expressed gratitude for "the thoughts, prayers and messages of support."

"Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom," she said. "We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Department at (520) 351-4900."

Contributing: Melina Khan and Erin Jensen, USA TODAY