Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping: What Is Luminol? FBI Carries 'Bags' Of Evidence From Annie Guthrie's House

More than a week has passed since NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, went missing in the middle of the night from her home in Tucson, Arizona. The authorities, including the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI, have launched a combing operation to find any hint about Nancy's disappearance. Amid reports of a new ransom note, the investigators have returned to the property of Nancy's elder daughter, Annie Guthrie, and her husband, Tommaso Cioni. This was the last place that Nancy visited before disappearing hours later.

Annie Guthrie and Tommaso Cioni's house searched for the second time amid Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, officials arrived with equipment

From what's been confirmed about Nancy Guthrie's final hours before retiring to her home on January 31, 2036, she had taken an Uber to her daughter Annie's home, where she spent around three hours. Annie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni, live only four miles from Nancy's longtime residence, and that evening they had a family gathering before Cioni reportedly dropped off his mother-in-law at around 9:28 p.m. local time. After Nancy was reported missing, authorities searched Annie and Tommaso's property at least twice, sparking curiosity about their possible involvement in the case.

According to new reports, a team of officials returned to Annie's property on Monday, February 9, 2026, after already visiting the house on Saturday and Sunday. Annie's house, a 10-minute drive from Nancy's home in the Catalina foothills, seems to have become a central area of the probe. The officials were reportedly seen leaving the property carrying bags of evidence they had collected with the consent of Annie and Tommaso Cioni. And now, a former FBI Special Agent clarifies whether the team might have used luminol at Annie's house.

What is luminol, and why is it used?

In a new interview with Parade Magazine, ex-FBI special Agent Bryanna Fox weighed in on Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping case, which has now blown up into one of the biggest high-profile crime investigations in recent years. For the past couple of days, people on X have been talking about this forensic staple, curious about why and how it is used, and whether it was used on Annie's property. 

Speaking to the outlet, Bryanna Fox explained that luminol is used at a potential crime scene to detect traces of evidence that may be invisible to the naked eye. Generally used in forensic investigations, luminol can help investigators detect traces of bodily fluids, such as blood, saliva, and urine. Speaking about its function, Fox shared:

“It [luminol] is a fluorescent blue light. You need to use it in complete darkness. Basically, the way it works is you shine it, and it iridesces when it comes in contact with some kind of a biological substance, which could be blood, urine, or saliva.”

However, the use of luminol does not indicate that the property is seen as a major crime scene. According to Fox, every seemingly minor spot, cut, and crevice is checked and cross-checked for any possible hint to help with the case. She told Parade:

“I would not assume there’s any deeper meaning other than they just want to document everything. You never know what’s going to be important. You never have a chance to go back to it at a later date."

Why are Annie Guthrie and Tommaso Cioni being investigated again?

Annie Guthrie and her husband have drawn heightened scrutiny amid the investigation. Before authorities conducted searches at their home, NewsNation journalist Ashleigh Banfield claimed that Tommaso Cioni was being considered a possible suspect. Law enforcement officials, however, have pushed back on that narrative, stating they have not confirmed or supported that claim.

More recently, investigators were seen searching a septic tank behind Nancy Guthrie’s home. Drone footage circulating online showed Pima County Sheriff’s Department detectives opening a manhole cover in the backyard and lowering a long pole inside. Authorities have not released details about what, if anything, was found. Earlier in the investigation, a security camera at the home was removed, and Annie’s car was seized as part of the inquiry.

What is known so far about Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping

Nancy was labelled a 'vulnerable adult' by her family and the Pima County Sheriff's Department because of her fragile physical health and heart issues that require constant monitoring and medication. Nine days into her abduction, her family and authorities are left deeply worried about her well-being, and there's no confirmation of life. The PCSD has joined forces with the FBI, and more than 100 officials are combing through every possible place that could hint at Nancy's disappearance. 

On February 9, 2026, Nancy's famous daughter, Savannah Guthrie, posted yet another video message on her Instagram, pleading with the public to help bring their mom back home. The Today Show co-host said she hasn't lost hope and believes Nancy is still out there. Savannah said in the video:

"We believe our mom is still out there. We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly around the clock, trying to bring her home, trying to find her. She was taken, and we don't know where. And we need your help. I’m coming on just to ask you... if you see anything, if you hear anything, if there’s anything at all that seems strange to you that you report to law enforcement. We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help."

Since Nancy Guthrie went missing, investigators have carried out four major searches at her USD1 million home. During one of those searches, officers seized her car and a rooftop security camera as evidence. The FBI has since announced a USD 50,000 reward for information that could help locate Nancy or lead to her safe return. As the investigation continues, Savannah Guthrie has issued a fresh public plea for help, while the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has said they believe Nancy is “still with us.”

What do you think about the intense public scrutiny around Annie Guthrie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni, amid Annie Guthrie's disappearance?

Also Read: Who Is Camron Guthrie's Wife? All About Savannah And Annie Guthrie's Brother's Personal Life

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