Tucson, Arizona – The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, entered its fifth day on Friday, with authorities continuing to investigate the case as a potential crime. While investigators have not identified any suspects, they confirmed the discovery of blood matching Nancy Guthrie’s DNA on her front porch, and are actively pursuing leads related to ransom notes sent to several media outlets.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the public on Friday, stating, “Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home.” However, he acknowledged the lack of confirmation regarding her well-being. The sheriff’s department is working alongside the FBI, which is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.
The family issued a renewed plea for contact from the kidnapper, hours after Sheriff Nanos’s statement. Savannah Guthrie’s brother, Camron Guthrie, released a video on social media saying, “Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so One can move forward,” echoing a statement made by his sister the previous day. The family’s primary concern remains establishing proof of their mother’s continued life.
Investigators are taking seriously multiple ransom notes received by news organizations, including KOLD-TV in Tucson and Arizona’s Family. According to Heith Janke, the FBI chief in Phoenix, the notes contained a demand for money with a deadline of Friday, and a secondary deadline for Tuesday if the initial demand was not met. Details included in the notes, such as a reference to a floodlight at the Guthrie residence and an Apple watch, suggest a level of specific knowledge, prompting investigators to treat the notes as potentially credible.
Authorities confirmed an arrest was made after one ransom note was determined to be a hoax. However, the investigation into the authentic notes continues. The sheriff’s department emphasized that any decision regarding ransom demands ultimately rests with the family.
A more detailed timeline of events has emerged. Nancy Guthrie was last seen Sunday evening, enjoying dinner and playing games with family members before being dropped off at her home in an upscale Tucson neighborhood. At approximately 2:00 AM on Monday, the doorbell camera was disconnected, though the sheriff noted that Nancy Guthrie did not have an active subscription to the doorbell camera service, preventing the retrieval of any footage. Software data indicated movement at the home shortly after, though authorities acknowledge this could have been caused by an animal. At 2:28 AM, the app on Guthrie’s pacemaker disconnected from her phone.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing shortly before noon on Monday after failing to appear at a scheduled church service. Authorities have noted that while she is capable of driving and maintains a sharp mind, she experiences difficulty walking even short distances and requires daily medication vital to her health. A dispatcher’s communication during the initial search revealed that Guthrie has a history of high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and heart issues.
The investigation is being conducted in a hilly, desert terrain surrounding Guthrie’s home, with search teams utilizing drones and search dogs. Sheriff Nanos stated that investigators are considering the possibility that Nancy Guthrie was specifically targeted, but have not yet determined if her daughter’s high profile as a national news anchor played a role in the abduction.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a heartfelt message on Wednesday, appealing directly to her mother’s abductor. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen,” Savannah Guthrie said, visibly emotional. Her sister, Annie Guthrie, added, “Mamma, If you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you.”
President Donald Trump stated on social media that he had directed federal authorities to assist in the search, though the extent of that assistance remains unclear. The FBI’s involvement and the offering of a substantial reward underscore the seriousness with which the case is being treated at the federal level.
Savannah Guthrie had been scheduled to co-anchor NBC’s coverage of the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, but has instead remained in Arizona, close to her mother’s home, during the search. The situation remains fluid, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
