Authorities searching for the missing mother of a prominent US television host have expressed cautious optimism, stating they believe "she's still out there" despite having no identified suspects in the case. The investigation centres on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman from near Tucson, Arizona, whose daughter Savannah Guthrie co-anchors the Today show.
Timeline of the Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home on Saturday evening after being dropped off by family members. She was reported missing the following day when she failed to appear at church, triggering an immediate response from local and federal agencies. Shortly after her disappearance, a ransom note demanding Bitcoin was sent to several media outlets, escalating the situation to a potential kidnapping.
Critical Evidence and Medical Concerns
Investigators have revealed several troubling details about the case. Blood belonging to Ms Guthrie was discovered in the porch area of her home, indicating possible foul play. More concerningly, authorities confirmed that Ms Guthrie requires daily medication and has a pacemaker, making her particularly vulnerable. Sheriff Chris Nanos disclosed that her pacemaker app disconnected from her phone at 2.28am on the night of her disappearance.
Despite having several cameras at the property, including a doorbell camera that detected movement at 2.12am, law enforcement has been unable to retrieve the footage. This technological hurdle has complicated the investigation, though authorities remain determined to pursue all leads.
FBI Involvement and Reward Announcement
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken a leading role in the case, with agent Heith Janke confirming that no further communication has been received from the potential kidnapper since the initial ransom demand. In a significant development, the FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Ms Guthrie's safe return.
Agent Janke revealed that the ransom note set two deadlines: the first at 5pm local time on Thursday and a second on Monday. He made a direct appeal to the perpetrator, urging them to "change course and let Ms Guthrie go." Janke emphasised the victim's vulnerability, stating: "This is an 84-year-old grandma that needs vital medication for her well-being. You still have the time to do the right thing."
Family's Emotional Plea
The Guthrie family released a video message recorded with FBI assistance, speaking directly to whoever might be holding Nancy. In the emotional recording, they stated: "We are ready to talk... 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, visibly distressed and flanked by her siblings, added a personal appeal: "Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive, she needs it not to suffer." She concluded with a message to her mother: "Mummy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God's precious daughter."
Political Attention and Investigation Developments
The case has attracted significant media attention in the United States, even reaching the highest levels of government. President Donald Trump confirmed on Truth Social that he had spoken with Savannah Guthrie and directed all federal law enforcement resources to be available for the investigation.
In a concerning side development, Agent Janke revealed that authorities arrested a "total imposter" on Thursday morning who had sent a fraudulent ransom note in an attempt to profit from the situation. This incident underscores the challenges investigators face in distinguishing genuine leads from opportunistic criminal activity.
The amount demanded in the authentic ransom note has not been disclosed publicly. Agent Janke clarified that any decision regarding payment would be "ultimately decided by the family," while emphasising that the primary focus remains on securing Nancy Guthrie's safe return.
As the investigation continues, authorities maintain their belief that Nancy Guthrie remains alive somewhere, though they acknowledge the urgency created by her medical needs and the passage of time since her disappearance.
