Savannah Guthrie, the prominent news anchor for NBC’s , has issued a direct appeal to those believed to be holding her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, urging them to release her in exchange for a financial payment. The plea, delivered in a video posted to Instagram on , marks a significant escalation in the case that has gripped national attention.
“We received your message, and we understand,” Guthrie stated in the video, flanked by her two siblings. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.” The specifics of the “message” referenced by Guthrie remain undisclosed, adding to the complexity of the situation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) confirmed on that they are investigating the authenticity of a message received regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Investigators are working to determine the veracity of the communication and its connection to the ongoing search.
The case took a further turn with the arrest of a man in California accused of sending a fraudulent ransom note to the Guthrie family. While this individual is in custody, authorities have yet to identify a primary suspect directly linked to Nancy Guthrie’s abduction. The FBI is currently offering a reward of $50,000 (£36,000) for information leading to her safe return and/or the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home near Tucson, Arizona, on . Her disappearance was reported after she failed to attend Sunday church services, raising concerns among members of her congregation. Initial investigations revealed that a doorbell camera had been disconnected and removed from her property, and the connection to her pacemaker – an implanted cardiac device – was severed at approximately local time.
The discovery of blood at the residence, later confirmed to be Nancy Guthrie’s, further intensified the investigation, suggesting a potential struggle or violent encounter. Authorities have described Nancy Guthrie’s health as “fragile,” emphasizing her need for daily medication, which adds urgency to the search efforts.
The unfolding events have prompted a multi-agency response, with the FBI actively investigating potential ransom demands. According to reports, at least one note demanded payment in Bitcoin, with a subsequent deadline approaching on . The authenticity of these notes, however, remains unconfirmed.
The Guthrie family’s willingness to negotiate with potential abductors underscores the desperation of the situation. Savannah Guthrie, in a previous video appeal released on , expressed the family’s readiness to engage in dialogue, while also acknowledging the potential for manipulation of audio and visual evidence. “We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” she stated. “We need to know, that she is alive, and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”
Law enforcement activity has been observed at the home of Annie Guthrie, Savannah’s older sister, with deputies and agents conducting searches and collecting evidence. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI have declined to provide specific details regarding the ongoing investigation, citing the sensitivity of the case.
The case highlights the growing threat of kidnapping and ransom demands, even targeting the families of high-profile individuals. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies and the offer of a substantial reward demonstrate the seriousness with which authorities are treating the situation. As the search continues, the Guthrie family’s plea for their mother’s safe return resonates with a nation hoping for a positive resolution.
