US authorities say they are investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of the broadcaster Savannah Guthrie, as a suspected crime.
Savannah Guthrie is a US journalist and television presenter who co-anchors NBC's Today morning programme.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters that investigators now believe Nancy Guthrie's home near Tucson, Arizona, is a crime scene, and that the case is no longer being treated as a standard missing-person search.
"We believe 100% right now she could not have walked away from that home," Sheriff Nanos told CBS News.
"I believe she was abducted, yes. She didn't walk from there. She didn't go willingly. We don't believe that."
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home on Saturday night and was reported missing on Sunday afternoon, according to authorities.
Sheriff Nanos said Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility.
Investigators do not believe she could have left the house without help.
He added that Nancy Guthrie is "of sound mind" and that the disappearance is not linked to dementia.
Sheriff Nanos later expanded on his remarks in an interview with CBS to say he believes Nancy Guthrie was abducted.
Nancy Guthrie's family is especially worried because she needs to take daily medication.
"She's 84, she needs her meds, her family needs her too," Sheriff Nanos told reporters, imploring the public to send in tips.
"This is not dementia-related, she is as sharp as a tack. The family wants everybody to know this isn't somebody who just wandered off."
Savannah Guthrie did not appear on Monday's broadcast of Today in the US.
A statement read on-air thanked people for their support and urged anyone with information to contact the police.
Source: Reuters
