Nancy Guthrie Missing: Arizona Home Searched, Ransom Demand Emerges

The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie continues across multiple states, with investigators seemingly no closer to finding the missing Tucson woman eleven days after her abduction. A flurry of activity unfolded Wednesday, including the release of surveillance footage and a search of a home in Rio Rico, Arizona, though it yielded no immediate answers.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI executed a search warrant overnight at a residence in Rio Rico, approximately 60 miles south of Tucson, connected to a 36-year-old man who had been briefly detained for questioning. The man, who has not been publicly identified, was released early Wednesday morning. He told reporters he had no knowledge of the Guthrie case and that police did not question him during his detention. “I hope they get the suspect, because I’m not it,” he said, adding, “They better do their job and find the suspect that did it so they can clear my name.”

FBI Director Kash Patel stated Tuesday night that agents are pursuing multiple “persons of interest” in the case. The investigation has spanned several states, involving a multi-agency effort including U.S. Customs and Border Protection and search-and-rescue teams.

Adding another layer of complexity, TMZ reported Wednesday that the outlet received a message demanding one Bitcoin – valued at approximately $67,000 at the time – in exchange for the name of Guthrie’s alleged kidnapper. The note, according to TMZ, read, “If they want the name of the individual involved, then I want 1 Bitcoin to the following wallet. Time is more than relevant.” Authorities are already offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s safe return.

The developments followed the release of crucial surveillance footage by the FBI on Tuesday. The footage, recorded at 1:47 a.m. On February 1, shows an individual wearing a balaclava, gloves, and a backpack approaching Guthrie’s front door. A gun is visible holstered at the person’s waist. The individual attempts to obscure the Nest security camera with their hand and then with nearby greenery before the camera was later discovered missing.

The footage represents the first significant break in the investigation. However, as of Wednesday, authorities have not announced any arrests or identified a suspect. Bloodstains found at the scene have been confirmed to belong to Guthrie, raising concerns about her well-being.

Savannah Guthrie, Nancy’s daughter and co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, has been actively pleading for her mother’s safe return. She shared the surveillance footage on Instagram Tuesday, writing, “Someone out there recognizes this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home.” In a separate video posted Saturday, Savannah Guthrie stated, “We received your message and we understand,” indicating the family had been contacted by those claiming to have abducted her mother. She also posted a video Monday, urging anyone with information to come forward, saying, “We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help.”

Nancy Guthrie was last seen by family on January 31. She has been without medication since her abduction. The case remains active, and authorities continue to urge anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI.