TUCSON, Ariz. — The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC's "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has stretched into its second week as investigators grapple with what appears to be a looming ransom deadline. Authorities reported that Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home in Tucson on the night of January 31, with her family alerting police the following day, February 1. The Pima County Sheriff's Office has described the incident as an overnight abduction, and the FBI has since taken the lead, treating two suspicious emails as potential ransom demands.
The emails, which include a demand for payment in bitcoin, set an initial deadline of 5 p.m. on Thursday that has already passed without apparent resolution. A second deadline is reportedly approaching later today, Monday, though specifics remain under wraps to protect the ongoing investigation. "We are taking these communications very seriously," an FBI spokesman told reporters, according to the Associated Press. The credibility of the messages is still unconfirmed, but federal agents have mobilized resources to verify their authenticity.
Savannah Guthrie, along with her siblings, released their third emotional videotaped plea over the weekend, directed at whoever may be holding their mother. In the short video posted Saturday, Savannah addressed the kidnappers directly: "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 plea referenced a message sent to KOLD, the CBS News affiliate in Tucson, on Friday, though the station has declined to disclose further details out of respect for the family and the probe.
The first communication to KOLD arrived earlier last week, prompting the family to record their initial responses. Earlier pleas from the Guthrie siblings had urged the public for any leads, highlighting Nancy's vulnerability as an elderly woman with ties to the local community. Savannah, a prominent morning show anchor known for her warm on-air presence, has stepped back from her duties to focus on the crisis, a move her network confirmed in a brief statement expressing support for the family.
Investigative efforts intensified over the weekend at Nancy Guthrie's Tucson residence. On Sunday, teams were observed probing a septic tank in the backyard, a detail that underscores the thoroughness of the ground search. Earlier, on Friday, FBI agents removed a surveillance camera from the roof of the home and towed away a dark-colored SUV from the garage. "Some vehicles have Starlink or GPS data points, which could help tell some of the story that we don't know yet," noted former FBI agent Jason Pack, speaking to CBS News about the potential value of such forensic evidence.
Authorities have expanded their canvas beyond the property. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby gas stations, hoping to identify any vehicles in the area around the time of the abduction. The night before her disappearance, Nancy had dined at the home of her daughter Annie, and search teams visited that location as well, though no specific findings were disclosed. As of Monday morning, no suspects or persons of interest have been named, and the FBI has urged the public to come forward with tips.
The case has drawn widespread attention, partly due to Savannah Guthrie's high profile. Born in Australia and raised partly in Tucson after her family relocated, Savannah has often spoken fondly of her mother's influence on her career and values. Nancy, a longtime member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, was known in the community for her active involvement. Parishioners gathered for prayers on Sunday, with Reverend Dr. John Tittle leading the congregation in supplication: "We pray for Nancy's rescue, we pray for her release, we pray that she will be brought safely home."
The emotional toll on the family is evident in their repeated appeals. The third video plea marks a shift, acknowledging the ransom message directly for the first time publicly. While the family has expressed willingness to pay, law enforcement sources emphasize that negotiations, if any, are being handled discreetly to avoid compromising the investigation. Bitcoin's use in the demand adds a layer of complexity, as tracing cryptocurrency transactions can be challenging but not impossible with federal expertise.
Local law enforcement and federal partners have coordinated extensively since the case broke. The Pima County Sheriff's Office initially responded to the missing persons report on February 1, quickly escalating it to the FBI due to the abduction indicators. No signs of forced entry were immediately apparent at the home, but the overnight timing suggests a targeted incident. Neighbors reported nothing unusual that night, according to initial interviews cited by local media.
Beyond Tucson, efforts to generate leads have gone regional. Billboards featuring Nancy Guthrie's photo, description, and an FBI contact number have appeared in neighboring states like New Mexico and California. The number, 520-882-7463, has been promoted heavily, with authorities encouraging anonymous tips. "Anyone with possible information on Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is asked to call," the FBI reiterated in a weekend update.
The ransom angle, while unverified, has heightened urgency as the second deadline nears. Experts caution that such demands in missing persons cases can sometimes be hoaxes, but the FBI's involvement signals genuine concern. Jason Pack, the retired agent, highlighted how digital footprints from emails and vehicle tech could crack the case. "These modern tools are game-changers," he said, pointing to the SUV's potential data logs.
Community support has poured in, with online campaigns and prayer vigils amplifying the family's call for help. St. Andrew's Church, where Nancy was a fixture, has become a hub for well-wishers. Reverend Tittle's sermon focused on hope amid uncertainty, drawing parallels to biblical stories of deliverance. Meanwhile, Savannah's colleagues on the "Today" show have dedicated segments to the story, balancing professional restraint with personal solidarity.
As the search continues, questions linger about motives and methods. Was the abduction opportunistic or planned? The involvement of bitcoin suggests sophistication, yet the emails' routing through a local TV station raises doubts about legitimacy. Investigators have not ruled out connections to Nancy's daily routines, including her recent dinner with Annie, which might provide timeline clues.
With no breakthroughs yet, the Guthrie family clings to optimism. Their weekend plea underscores a desperate bid for resolution, prioritizing Nancy's safe return over financial loss. Federal officials, meanwhile, prepare for all scenarios as the deadline ticks down. The coming hours could bring clarity or further heartbreak, but the multi-agency push shows no signs of slowing.
For now, the Tucson community and beyond watch anxiously, united in hope for Nancy Guthrie's reunion with her family. Tips continue to flood in, and authorities remain vigilant, determined to unravel the mystery of her disappearance.