Savannah Guthrie’s Mother: Updates on Missing Person Case & Ransom Demand
- The search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has entered its second week, with authorities continuing to investigate her disappearance from her Tucson, Arizona,...
- On January 31, Nancy Guthrie, 84, had dinner with family and returned home around 9:50 p.m.
- A ransom note, received by local news station KGUN, demanded $6 million by Monday evening.
The search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has entered its second week, with authorities continuing to investigate her disappearance from her Tucson, Arizona, home. The case has taken a concerning turn with the emergence of a ransom note demanding $6 million, though investigators are also addressing unrelated fraudulent demands for money.
On , Nancy Guthrie, 84, had dinner with family and returned home around 9:50 p.m. She was reported missing after failing to attend church the following morning. A subsequent search of her residence revealed traces of her blood on the front porch, prompting investigators to treat the case as a potential crime.
Ransom Demand and FBI Involvement
A ransom note, received by local news station KGUN, demanded $6 million by evening. The Guthrie family responded with a public statement, indicating their willingness to pay the ransom, but also acknowledging the challenges of verifying the authenticity of communications in an era where audio and video can be easily manipulated. Savannah Guthrie stated, “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”
The FBI is actively involved in the investigation, offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of those involved in her disappearance. Heith Janke, FBI special agent in charge of the Phoenix field office, emphasized that the decision to pay a ransom ultimately rests with the family, while the FBI provides guidance and support. Janke also cautioned against the potential for fraudulent schemes, noting that an individual was arrested for making a false ransom demand.
Investigation Details and Timeline
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has outlined a timeline of events based on electronic records from Nancy Guthrie’s home. The front doorbell camera was disconnected at 1:47 a.m. On , and her pacemaker disconnected from a phone app at approximately 2:30 a.m. While the camera system continuously overwrites its recordings, investigators are continuing to analyze available data.
Authorities have stated they have not yet identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to the case. Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and requires daily medication, raising concerns about her well-being.
Family Plea and Public Assistance
Savannah Guthrie has made repeated public appeals for assistance, urging anyone with information, no matter how small, to contact law enforcement. In a video posted on , she reiterated the family’s desperation and the urgent need for public help. “We believe our mom is still out there,” she said. “We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly, around the clock, trying to bring her home, trying to find her.”
The family’s plea is underscored by the understanding that time is of the essence. Investigators are holding out hope that Nancy Guthrie is still alive, but acknowledge the lack of concrete evidence supporting that belief. As Sheriff Nanos stated, “Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home.”
The FBI has urged anyone responsible for Guthrie’s disappearance to return her, stating, “You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you.”
The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement agencies continuing to pursue all available leads in the search for Nancy Guthrie.