TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) — Savannah Guthrie, the host of NBC's "Today" show, issued a public plea on Saturday to the potential kidnappers of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for seven days. In a video shared on social media, Savannah, accompanied by her siblings, expressed their desperation and willingness to pay for their mother's safe return. Savannah stated, "We received your message, and we understand. 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 situation escalated when Tucson TV station KOLD reported receiving an email message related to the Guthrie case, although the contents remain undisclosed. The FBI confirmed it is reviewing the authenticity of this new communication. Savannah's reference does not clarify whether this email indeed came from the alleged kidnappers or if it is linked to the ongoing case.
No Suspects Identified
Authorities believe that Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken against her will from her home located just outside Tucson last weekend. Investigators confirmed that DNA tests revealed blood found on the porch matched Nancy's. However, as of now, no suspects have been identified, and the investigation is ongoing.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos expressed frustration over a residential security camera failing to capture any evidence related to Nancy's disappearance. The doorbell camera stopped functioning on the day Nancy went missing, with data indicating movements shortly thereafter. However, the lack of an active subscription meant crucial images could not be retrieved.
"It is concerning; it’s actually almost disappointing," Nanos said regarding the inability to retrieve any potential evidence. "You’ve got your hopes up. OK, they got an image. Well, we do, but we don’t."
President Donald Trump, during a flight on Air Force One, commented that the investigation was progressing "very well," mentioning the existence of strong clues that may lead to developments soon.
Investigators Return to Scene
On Friday, investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie's neighborhood to resume searches. The Pima County Sheriff's Department announced restricted access to the area to facilitate investigation efforts, indicating that the community is cooperating by sharing camera footage and allowing property searches.
According to Sheriff Nanos, efforts to retrieve the camera recordings will continue, though he expressed disappointment at the technological limitations faced by investigators. "I wish technology was as easy as we believe it is," he added.
TV Station Receives Note
The sheriff stated that he had no further updates on the note sent to the TV station or other ransom letters received by media outlets, as those investigations are handled by the FBI. Amid growing concern for Nancy's health, authorities highlighted her need for daily medication due to her pacemaker and history of high blood pressure and heart issues. "Her conditions, I would imagine, are worsening day by day," Nanos remarked, questioning whether she was receiving essential medications.
Family members, including Savannah and her siblings, had earlier expressed their readiness to communicate with the kidnappers, emphasizing the need for proof of life. In recent updates, it was revealed that at least one ransom note included a demand for money, which had a deadline that passed last Thursday evening. A second deadline was set for the upcoming Monday if the initial demand was not met.
As the investigation unfolds, the case has attracted significant public attention, with individuals, including President Trump, urging federal authorities to assist in resolving the situation.
