Parking restrictions are being significantly expanded around the Arizona home of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, following weeks of disruption caused by journalists and social media streamers. The move comes in response to bitter complaints from neighbors regarding congested roads, trespassing and trash left alongside roadways.
Pima County officials confirmed the wider no-parking zone will come into effect on Thursday. This follows an unsuccessful attempt over the weekend to implement a one-way traffic flow on the road in front of Nancy’s house, which failed to alleviate the issues.
Under the new restrictions, media personnel and online streamers will still be permitted access to the area but must park elsewhere and arrange for drop-offs. Violators of the expanded no-parking zone face a substantial $250 fine.
The constant presence of news crews, bloggers and curious onlookers has elicited a divided response from the community. While some residents have welcomed the increased attention on the case, others have resorted to placing traffic cones and signs on their properties to deter unwanted visitors.
Authorities say the tents, generators and satellite trucks set up along the road have created congestion and safety concerns.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home just outside Tucson on Jan. 31 and was reported missing the following day. Authorities believe she was kidnapped, abducted or otherwise taken against her will. Drops of her blood were found on the front porch, but authorities haven’t publicly revealed much evidence.
Despite the sheriff’s request for people not to search on their own, volunteers have continued to look. A small group reported finding a black backpack on Sunday, but it wasn’t the same brand as one identified in video surveillance that the FBI released of a masked person at Guthrie’s home the night she disappeared.
Journalists and streamers aren’t the only people to go into the neighborhood. Supporters of the Guthrie family have showed up outside of the home to drop off flowers, yellow ribbons, crosses and prayers.
