Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping: Search Continues for US Journalist's Elderly Mother
Nine days after Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of renowned NBC television journalist Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home, authorities remain unable to locate her or identify potential abductors. The case has drawn national attention as law enforcement intensifies efforts to solve this disturbing disappearance.
Key Developments in the Investigation
Despite releasing surveillance footage showing an armed man wearing a ski mask tampering with the doorbell camera at Nancy Guthrie's home on the night she disappeared, investigators have yet to identify the individual. The FBI has offered a substantial $50,000 reward for information leading to her whereabouts, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Family's Emotional Appeals and Ransom Offers
Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings have made multiple public appeals for their mother's safe return. In a series of video statements, they have explicitly expressed willingness to pay ransom, with Savannah stating, "We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us... This is very valuable to us, and we will pay." Despite these emotional pleas and offers, there has been no confirmed communication with potential kidnappers.
Questionable Ransom Notes and Investigation Challenges
At least two purported ransom notes have surfaced, initially delivered to news media outlets rather than directly to the family. One note contained specific deadlines of February 5 and 9, both of which have now passed without resolution. Authorities continue to investigate the authenticity of these communications while maintaining that they have no confirmed ongoing dialogue with suspected kidnappers.
Brief Detention and Release of Potential Person of Interest
In a significant development, law enforcement detained and questioned a man in connection with the case on February 10. After searching his Rio Rico home and conducting extensive questioning, police released him hours later without charges. The individual subsequently told media outlets, "I hope they get the suspect, because I'm not it," while claiming no knowledge of Nancy Guthrie.
Surveillance Footage Analysis
The FBI has released 44 seconds of silent, black-and-white doorbell camera footage showing the masked individual at Nancy Guthrie's front door. Initially thought to be lost, this crucial evidence was successfully retrieved and made public in hopes that someone might recognize the suspect. Savannah Guthrie shared the video on social media with the caption: "Someone out there recognises this person. We believe she is still out there. Bring her home."
Background on Savannah Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie, currently serving as main co-anchor of NBC's Today show, brings over three decades of journalistic experience to her role. Born in Melbourne, Australia, she moved to the United States at age two and grew up in Tucson, Arizona. After graduating from the University of Arizona's School of Journalism in 1993, she built an impressive career covering high-profile cases including the Michael Jackson child molestation trial, Boston clergy sex abuse scandal, and Martha Stewart sentencing before joining Today full-time in 2011.
Family Details and Continuing Search
Nancy Guthrie is mother to three accomplished children: Camron Guthrie, a retired F-16 fighter pilot; Annie Guthrie, a published poet and writer; and Savannah Guthrie. As the investigation enters its second week, authorities continue following all leads while the family maintains hope for Nancy's safe return. The case remains active with multiple agencies collaborating to solve this troubling disappearance that has captured national attention.
