Savannah Guthrie Pleads for Mother's Safe Return, Offers Payment in Emotional Video
In a desperate plea broadcast on social media this Saturday, NBC "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie announced that her family is prepared to pay for the safe return of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie. The emotional appeal comes as the search for the missing woman entered its seventh day, with authorities treating the case as a kidnapping.
"We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her," Savannah Guthrie declared in the video, flanked by her siblings. "This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."
FBI Investigates Potential Ransom Messages
The Associated Press reported that it remains unclear whether Guthrie was referring to a new message from potential kidnappers. This development follows Tucson television station KOLD confirming on Friday that they received an email connected to the Guthrie case, though they declined to disclose its contents. The FBI has acknowledged awareness of this message and is currently assessing its authenticity.
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home just outside Tucson last weekend. DNA testing has confirmed that blood found on her front porch matches Nancy Guthrie, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. Despite this evidence, authorities have not identified any suspects nor ruled anyone out in the ongoing investigation.
Technological Challenges Hamper Investigation
Sheriff Nanos expressed frustration on Friday regarding surveillance limitations at the Guthrie residence. The home's doorbell camera was discovered to have been disconnected early Sunday, with software data indicating movement at the property minutes later. However, because Nancy Guthrie did not maintain an active subscription service, none of the potential images were recoverable.
"It is concerning, it's actually almost disappointing, because you've got your hopes up," Sheriff Nanos told The Associated Press. "OK, they got an image. 'Well, we do, but we don't.'"
Investigators returned to the scene on Friday, with the sheriff's department restricting access to the road in front of the home to provide space for forensic examination. The Catalina Foothills Association, a neighborhood group, informed residents via letter that authorities were resuming searches in the immediate area.
Health Concerns Intensify Search Urgency
Worries about Nancy Guthrie's medical condition have escalated significantly as the search continues. Officials confirm she depends on essential daily medication, with sheriff's dispatcher audio revealing she has a pacemaker and a documented history of high blood pressure and heart problems.
"Her conditions, I would imagine, are worsening day by day," Sheriff Nanos stated. "She requires medication. And I have no way of knowing whether they're getting that medication to her."
Presidential Attention and Investigative Updates
U.S. President Donald Trump addressed the investigation while speaking on Air Force One on Friday, stating the case was progressing "very well" and that authorities had "some clues that I think are very strong." The President added that developments might emerge "reasonably soon" in the high-profile investigation.
Regarding the note sent to the television station and other alleged ransom communications mailed to media outlets, Sheriff Nanos confirmed there were no new updates, noting that the FBI is overseeing this aspect of the investigation. Authorities continue to pursue all technological avenues, though retrieving camera recordings has proven challenging.
"I wish technology was as easy as we believe it is, that here's a picture, here's your bad guy. But it's not," Nanos explained to the AP. "There are pieces of information that come to us from these tech groups that say 'this is what we have and we can't get anymore.'"
The investigation remains active with multiple agencies collaborating to locate Nancy Guthrie and bring her safely home to her family.
