The family of Nancy Guthrie issued a fresh appeal on Saturday for information about her whereabouts, six months after she disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona, and a day after investigators released two purported ransom notes received after her disappearance.
In a post on Instagram, the family said: "Six months ago, someone took her out of her bed in the dead of night. We have lived every moment, every breath, and every heartbeat in agony and despair ever since." They added: "Every day, we wake up and try to be strong and go on – because that’s what our joyful and resilient Mom taught us to do. But make no mistake – our hearts are in ruins."
Investigation and ransom notes
Nancy Guthrie, 84, is the mother of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie. She vanished from her home on 1 February. Despite intense national attention and involvement of the FBI, no suspects have been arrested.
The Pima county sheriff's department said the investigation "remains active and ongoing" and released notes that were received by news outlets soon after Guthrie disappeared. The first note, from someone claiming to hold Guthrie, said "she is safe but scared" and would not be released until a $4m payment in bitcoin was received. The second said she "perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now." The note added: "Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry."
Two men pursue wrongful arrest claim
NBC News reported on Thursday that two men who were detained and questioned in the days immediately after Guthrie vanished had issued a notice of claim against Pima county sheriff Chris Nanos and a detective on the case, a precursor to a wrongful arrest lawsuit.
Family pleads for help
In the new appeal, the family wrote: "We are begging for help. We are desperate. We need someone to come forward. Someone knows something. Someone suspects something. Someone recognizes the writing in the ransom demand notes." They concluded: "Please. Bring her home."
