Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show, has issued a heartfelt plea to her mother’s abductor, expressing her family’s willingness to engage in dialogue, provided they receive verification of her mother’s well-being.
In WASHINGTON, on Thursday, authorities confirmed that blood discovered on Nancy Guthrie’s porch was indeed hers. Savannah Guthrie, along with her siblings, took to social media the previous evening to reach out to those behind the abduction.
During a Thursday briefing, FBI representatives revealed they collaborated with the Guthrie family to draft the message after encountering ransom demands containing undisclosed specifics, affirming their authenticity.
John Edwards, the assistant Special Agent in charge at the FBI’s Tucson branch, stated their belief in the demands’ legitimacy, citing their inclusion of specific details, a deadline, and a financial aspect.
Edwards highlighted that the demands referenced items such as an Apple watch and a floodlight.
According to TMZ’s report on Tuesday, a supposed ransom note demanded cryptocurrency payment for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. Additionally, a journalist from Tucson’s KOLD station shared on X that they had received a similar note. Both media outlets have reportedly submitted these notes to law enforcement for investigation.
In a nearly four-minute video posted to Instagram on Wednesday evening, the family said they’re “ready to talk” to people holding their mother, but want proof she is alive.
“We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” Guthrie said in the video posted to Instagram. “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. Please reach out to us.”
During the Thursday press conference, law enforcement officials said they needed something beyond a video to determine if Nancy is still alive, because of the prevalence of deepfake videos and other AI tools.
A $50,000 reward with few leads
The FBI is now offering a $50,000 reward for any tip that leads to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie or to an arrest and prosecution of anybody involved in her kidnapping.
The reward is being offered as law enforcement officials ask for the public’s help in finding any new leads in the case.
“They’ve run out of way to recover any video” from a camera at Nancy Guthrie’s home, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said.
He added that law enforcement officials were conducting door-to-door searches in an attempt to find additional video that may have captured anything suspicious.
What happened to Nancy Guthrie?
Nancy Guthrie disappeared over the weekend from her southern Arizona home, with investigators saying they found several concerning things when they began looking at the house Sunday as the search began.
Because Nancy Guthrie is mentally sharp but physically unable to travel long distances, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office has repeatedly said in press conferences this week they believe she was taken against her will sometime Saturday night or Sunday morning.
Search-and-rescue teams, K-9 units and deputies worked throughout the day and overnight but were unable to find her. Investigators still do not have a suspect or person of interest, the sheriff’s department said in a statement Wednesday morning.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said she needs daily medication and could die without it. Asked whether officials were looking for her alive, he said, “We hope we are.”
“Detectives are working closely with the Guthrie family,” the sheriff’s department said. “While we appreciate the public’s concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.”
Evidence of nighttime kidnapping
Nancy Guthrie was described by investigators as “sharp as a tack” but with mobility issues that would prevent her from leaving the house on her own. Authorities also said during press conferences on Monday and Tuesday that there were certain things at the house that made them suspect some sort of foul play.
“We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us,” he said at a Monday news conference. “We do in fact have a crime. We are asking for the community’s help.”
A person familiar with the investigation, who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity, said investigators found specific evidence in the home showing there was a nighttime kidnapping. Several of Guthrie’s personal items, including her cellphone, wallet and car, were still there after she disappeared.
Investigators are reviewing surveillance video from nearby homes and analyzing data from cellphone towers. Police are also reviewing information from license plate cameras in the area, according to the person, who was not authorized to publicly discuss details of the case and spoke to AP on condition of anonymity.
The motive remains a mystery.
President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Tuesday afternoon, said he planned to call Savannah Guthrie “later on” and called the situation “terrible.”
FBI joins the case
The Pima County sheriff and the Tucson FBI chief held a news conference Tuesday and urged the public to offer tips, but they revealed few new details about the investigation. Nanos declined to say whether the disappearance was thought to be random or targeted or to describe the evidence found at Guthrie’s home.
The sheriff has said she needs daily medication and could die without it. Asked whether officials were looking for her alive, he said, “We hope we are.”
FBI officials said they were providing assistance to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation. Specifically, John Edwards, the assistant Special Agent for FBI’s Tucson office, said the federal agency was looking into cell phone data and tracking cell tower pings to determine who may have been around the area when Nancy Guthrie went missing.
Savannah Guthrie won’t cover the 2026 Olympics
“Today” host Savannah Guthrie will not be covering the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics after the disappearance of her mother, NBC confirmed Tuesday.
NBC Sports confirmed that Guthrie will not fulfill her hosting duties as she “focuses on being with her family during this difficult time.”
Guthrie was scheduled to cover the Games and co-host Friday’s Opening Ceremony. In preparation for the Olympics, she underwent surgery to remove a polyp from her vocal cords and was forced to take a multi-week hiatus from the TODAY show to recover.
