Savannah Guthrie broke down in tears live on the Today show as she pleaded for the public's help after kidnappers alleged her missing 84-year-old mother Nancy has died. The NBC presenter, whose mother was taken from her home in February, shared that her family is in 'agony' and begged anyone with information to come forward.
Ransom Note Claims Mother's Death
A ransom note received by the family allegedly offers an 'apology' for Nancy's death and claims her body could be delivered for $4 million. However, the note has not been authenticated. The first ransom note demanded $4 million in Bitcoin within days, later rising to $6 million, and described Nancy as 'safe but scared.' Investigators reportedly sent only $152 in an attempt to track the money, which remains untouched.
Guthrie's Emotional Plea
Wiping away tears, Guthrie said: 'I love you guys, and I love this place. This is unusual and unprecedented — to say the least — to be sitting here. But I can't pretend I'm not here. And so since I am, I wanted to just take the opportunity to ask people, really to beg people, to come forward. Somebody knows something.'
She continued: 'This is a new story that today is on your radar, but this is the life that my sister lives, that I live, that my brother lives, that our extended families live, that our children live every day. And we are in agony and we cannot be at peace.'
Timeline of Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen by her son-in-law on January 31 after dinner. She was reported missing on February 1 after failing to attend church. The sheriff believes she did not leave her home willingly. Surveillance footage showed a gloved and masked man approaching her house at 1:47am on February 1, after which the doorbell camera was disconnected.
On February 7, Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional video pleading for their mother's return, offering a $1 million reward. Surveillance images from the home were released on February 10, leading to a person being detained but later released. No suspects have been named, but police are focusing on the series of ransom notes.
Family's Ongoing Agony
Referencing the ongoing investigation, Guthrie added: 'So no matter how much I try to come out here every day and to smile and find that joy — and I will, I promise I will — this is a moment to tell you that we need your help. We're begging for your help. And I'm not gonna miss that opportunity.'
The family has offered a $1 million reward for information, which Guthrie reminded viewers could be anonymous. 'Please do the right thing for us, for our family, for our children. We love our mom, and we'll never stop looking for her ever,' she concluded.
