Authorities Hold Hope for Missing Mother of 'Today' Show Host Savannah Guthrie
Investigators currently possess no concrete evidence indicating that the missing mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie is still alive, yet they are steadfastly clinging to the hope that she remains "still out there," according to a statement from a sheriff in Arizona on Thursday. This declaration comes five days into the intensive search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, with authorities reporting that they have not yet identified any suspects or persons of interest in the case, as confirmed by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
Blood Evidence and Suspected Abduction
DNA analysis has revealed that blood discovered on Nancy Guthrie's porch is a definitive match to her, leading investigators to strongly believe she was forcibly taken from her Tucson home against her will over the weekend. Sheriff Nanos emphasized during a news conference, "Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home," while candidly acknowledging the lack of proof regarding her current well-being.
Chilling Ransom Note Details Emerge
In a troubling development, investigators are treating a ransom note sent to several media outlets with utmost seriousness. Heith Janke, the FBI chief in Phoenix, disclosed that the note contained a monetary demand with an initial deadline set for Thursday evening and a secondary one for Monday if the first was not met. Notably, the note included specific details about a floodlight at Guthrie's residence and an Apple watch, suggesting insider knowledge. Janke appealed directly, "To anyone who may be involved, do the right thing. This is an 84-year-old grandma." Authorities clarified that any decision on meeting ransom demands ultimately rests with the family.
Family's Emotional Plea for Proof of Life
A day prior to the sheriff's update, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a heartfelt message to their mother's alleged kidnapper, expressing their readiness to engage in dialogue but insisting on proof that their mother is alive. Despite this public appeal, there has been no visible response from the abductor. Savannah Guthrie, visibly emotional, stated, "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." Her sister Annie added a direct message to their mother, "Mamma, If you're listening, we need you to come home. We miss you."
New Timeline of Disappearance Unveiled
Sheriff Nanos provided a more detailed timeline of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. She spent Saturday evening dining and playing games with family before being dropped off at her home in an affluent Tucson neighborhood. Approximately four hours later, just before 2 a.m. on Sunday, the doorbell camera at her home was disconnected. Unfortunately, Guthrie did not have an active subscription, preventing the recovery of any video footage. Software data recorded movement at the home minutes later, though the sheriff noted this could have been caused by an animal. At 2:28 a.m., the app on Guthrie's pacemaker was disconnected from her phone, adding a critical digital clue.
Health Concerns and Ongoing Search Efforts
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing shortly before noon on Sunday after failing to appear at church. While she is mentally sharp, drives regularly, and attends church, she faces difficulty walking even short distances and requires daily medication vital for her health, including management of high blood pressure and heart issues, as noted by a sheriff's dispatcher. Investigators conducted another extensive search in and around her home for several hours on Wednesday, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
Media Involvement and Fake Note Arrest
At least three media organizations have reported receiving purported ransom notes, which they promptly handed over to investigators. In a related incident, authorities made an arrest after one ransom note was determined to be fake. Mary Coleman, an anchor at KOLD-TV in Tucson, which received one of the notes via email on Monday, told CNN that it contained information likely known only to the abductor, stating, "When we saw some of those details, it was clear after a couple of sentences that this might not be a hoax."
As the search enters its fifth day, the combination of forensic evidence, digital clues, and emotional family appeals paints a complex and urgent picture, with authorities and loved ones alike holding onto hope for Nancy Guthrie's safe return.
