Nancy Guthrie Case: Who are the 'Madres Buscadoras de Sonora'? The Guthrie Family Asked For The Organisation's Assistance

It has been nearly three weeks since Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her home near Tucson, Arizona. Reported missing on 1 February 2026, Guthrie was last seen on 31 January after having dinner with her family. When Guthrie failed to attend her usual Sunday service, a fellow congregant alerted her family, who then made an emergency call.

What started as a missing person report has since escalated into a full abduction investigation. The Pima Sheriff's Department has confirmed that they are treating the case as a kidnapping, after uncovering evidence described as 'concerning.'

Guthrie Family Appeals to Mexican Search Collective

In the latest development, the Guthrie family has reportedly sought assistance from Madres Buscadoras de Sonora, a Mexican non-profit dedicated to locating missing persons. Reports suggest the family acted on a lead that the 84-year-old was taken across the border into Mexico.

If accurate, investigators believe she could have ended up in the state of Sonora, which borders Arizona. The organisation has since distributed Spanish-language posters in border towns and shared appeals on their Facebook page, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Inside Edition talked to Casey Jordan, a criminologist and host of Criminal Appeal Podcast. She said, 'They want to explore the idea that Nancy may have gone south of the border to Mexico, and that perhaps this group can not only locate her, but zero in on who might have her.'

Posters and Pleas Across the Border

Madres Buscadoras de Sonora's poster reads: 'Nancy Guthrie, 84 years old, 5'4 feet tall (1.60m approx), 150 pounds. Missing from Tucson, Arizona, since last February 1, 2026.' It highlights her dependence on prescribed medication and appeals for compassion: 'Help her get back home if you have any information you can call anonymously the number 662 341 5616.'

In a separate statement, the group said, 'We will be spreading the word and hoping that the person who took her will have a change of heart and return her.' Video posted online also shows members actively searching for Guthrie.

Who are the 'Madres Buscadoras de Sonora'?

The Madres Buscadoras de Sonora or Searching Mothers of Sonora is a Mexican non-profit organisation that is dedicated to finding missing people in the state of Sonora and occasionally in other states.

The organisation was formed in 2019 in response to the increasing rates of murders, femicides, and disappearances in northern Mexico. The group is composed largely of mothers whose children are missing, alongside volunteers.

Their work involves combing terrain for human remains, identifying mass graves, and reuniting families with loved ones. Since their founding, the organisation has recovered 2,700 bodies and reunited 2,400 living individuals with their families.

FBI and Authorities Intensify Search

Meanwhile, US authorities continue to coordinate with Mexican counterparts. The FBI has released images of a masked suspect seen at Guthrie's front door on the morning she disappeared. The suspect is described as 'male, approximately 5'9" - 5'10" tall, with an average build' and was seen carrying a 'black, 25-liter "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack.'

The reward for information has now surpassed $200,000 (£158,00), as reported. The Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed that 88-CRIME, an Arizona county organisation, had 'received an anonymous donation today of $100,000, allowing the program to increase the reward for this case to $102,500,' which doubled the FBI's existing $100,000 (£79,000) reward.