Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie say they are taking the ransom notes seriously
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Investigators believe the mother is missing Today Show host Savannah Guthrie is “still out there,” but no suspects have been identified, officials in Arizona said Thursday.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos also said a DNA test on blood found on Nancy Guthrie’s porch came back as a match for her. Authorities believe the 84-year-old woman was taken from her Tucson home against her will over the weekend.
“For now, we believe that Nancy is still out. We are looking for her home,” Nanos said at a press conference five days after she was reported missing. The sheriff, however, admitted that authorities have no proof that he is still alive.
On Wednesday, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional video message to their mother’s suspected abductor, but there has been no public sign of a response.
Today show host Savannah Guthrie posted a video on her Instagram page Wednesday urging anyone who may have held her 84-year-old mother against her will. Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home over the weekend.
Guthrie said her family is ready to talk but wants proof that her mother is still alive. In a video posted on social media on Wednesday, he admitted to hearing media reports about the ransom note sent to several news outlets.
“We are ready to speak. However, we live in a world where words and images are easily manipulated,” Guthrie said as he read the prepared statement.
“We need to know without a doubt that you are alive and with him. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please contact us.”
Investigators are taking the ransom note seriously, said Heith Janke, FBI director in Phoenix, who noted that it included a demand for money and a deadline, as well as information about home lighting and an Apple watch.
“For anyone who might be affected, do the right thing. This is an 84-year-old grandmother,” said Janke.
Authorities say any decision on ransom demands ultimately rests with the family.
The search continues
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night when she was dropped off by her family in Tucson after having dinner with them, the sheriff’s department said. He was reported missing 14 hours later after not showing up at church.
He can’t walk and the officials don’t believe he left it on his own. A sheriff’s dispatcher said during Sunday’s search that Nancy Guthrie had high blood pressure, a pacemaker and heart problems, according to audio from Broadcastify.com.
The area’s rugged terrain can make searching for people difficult, said Jim Mason, longtime commander of a Maricopa County rescue team that is not involved in the search. He said it can be difficult to see in areas dense with mesquite trees, cholla cactus and desert brush.
“Some of them are so thick you can’t drive through them,” Mason said. His team did not participate in the search.
Redemption notes were purchased
At least three media organizations reported that they had found ransom notes which they handed over to investigators.
The note emailed Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson contained information that only the kidnapper would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN. It also includes a dollar amount and a deadline, he said.
“When we saw some of those details, it became clear after a few sentences that this might not be a lie,” he said in an interview that aired on Wednesday.
The family sent their plea via video after police searched Nancy Guthrie’s home and surrounding area for several hours on Wednesday.
Investigators returned to investigate after being at home earlier in the week for several days, said Kevin Adger, a spokesman for the County Sheriff’s Department. He said the department is not talking about the family video.
Savannah Guthrie was upset during the recording, and her voice cracked. Flanked by her sister Annie and brother Cameron, she spoke directly to her mother, saying the family was praying for her and people were looking for her.
“Mom, if you hear this, you are a strong woman, you are a precious daughter of God” “Oh!
Savannah Guthrie described her mother as “a kind, loyal, faithful, very loving woman with beauty and light” and said she was funny, smart and intelligent.
“Talk to him and you will see” “Wow!
Annie Guthrie said: “Mom, if you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you.”
