Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case: Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, remained missing on Thursday as the search entered its fifth day. Investigators said they had no confirmation that she was alive, but stressed they were still hopeful she could be found.
Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her Tucson home against her will over the weekend. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said no suspects or persons of interest have been identified so far.
Blood was discovered on Nancy Guthrie’s porch, and investigators later confirmed it belonged to her. Despite the grim evidence, officials said the search continues with urgency.
What Do Investigators Believe Happened to Nancy Guthrie?
Police believe Nancy Guthrie was forcibly removed from her home sometime during the early hours of Sunday. The discovery of blood and the sudden loss of electronic signals from her home raised immediate concern.
Sheriff Nanos said investigators are treating the case as a possible abduction but have not ruled out any scenario.
How Are Ransom Notes Linked to Nancy Guthrie Case?
The investigation intensified after several media organisations received ransom notes that authorities said appeared credible. These messages demanded money and set deadlines, prompting deeper scrutiny.
Heith Janke, the FBI chief in Phoenix, said the notes demanded payment by Thursday evening, with another deadline set for Monday if the first was missed. The messages also mentioned specific details about a floodlight at Nancy Guthrie’s home and her Apple Watch.
TMZ reported that one ransom note demanded millions of dollars in bitcoin and described damage believed to have occurred during Nancy Guthrie’s abduction. Investigators said it was still unclear whether that description was accurate. Authorities said any decision regarding ransom demands would be made by the family.
What Is the Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance?
According to police, Nancy Guthrie spent Saturday evening with family, having dinner and playing games. One of her relatives later dropped her off at her home in an affluent Tucson neighbourhood.
Just before 2 a.m. Sunday, her doorbell camera was disconnected. Because Nancy Guthrie did not have an active subscription, no video footage could be recovered.
Minutes later, software data showed movement at the house, though Sheriff Nanos said the activity could have been caused by an animal. At 2:28 a.m., the mobile app connected to Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker was disconnected from her phone.
She was reported missing shortly before noon Sunday after she failed to attend church.
What Health Concerns Make Nancy Guthrie’s Case More Urgent?
Authorities said Nancy Guthrie was mentally sharp and capable of driving, but she had difficulty walking even short distances. She also required daily medication that was critical for her health.
During the initial search, a sheriff’s dispatcher said Nancy Guthrie had high blood pressure and heart-related issues, increasing concerns about her well-being.
What Has the Guthrie Family Said About Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance?
At least three media outlets confirmed receiving ransom notes related to Nancy Guthrie and handed them over to investigators. Police said one arrest was made after a separate ransom note was found to be fake.
In a video released Wednesday night, Savannah Guthrie appeared emotional as she sat beside her siblings, Annie and Camron. She said the family was aware of the ransom messages but wanted direct proof that their mother was alive.
“We are ready to talk,” Savannah Guthrie said. “However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive, and that you have her.”
In another video shared Thursday, Nancy Guthrie’s son Camron said the family had still not heard directly from those responsible.
“Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you,” he said. “We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.”
“But first,” he added, “we have to know that you have our mom.”
How Has the US Government Responded to Nancy Guthrie’s Case?
U.S. President Donald Trump spoke with Savannah Guthrie by phone on Wednesday and later pledged full federal support in the search.
“I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Who Is Nancy Guthrie?
Nancy Guthrie is a retired communications professional and a longtime volunteer who is well known in her Tucson community. She lives in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson, a quiet and wealthy neighbourhood with large homes on open plots and no gated security.
