Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping: Critical Ransom Deadline Looms as Evidence Mounts
With just days remaining until a critical ransom deadline, investigators are intensifying their efforts to solve the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie. The alleged kidnappers have demanded $6 million for her safe return by Monday at 5pm local time, threatening her life if the family fails to comply.
The Disappearance and Initial Investigation
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 after visiting her daughter Annie's home in Tucson, Arizona, for dinner and a game night. Her son-in-law Tommaso Cioni dropped her off at her residence approximately four miles away around 9:50 pm, confirming he watched her enter her garage. Concern arose the following morning when she missed church, an unusual occurrence noted by fellow parishioners who alerted her family.
Upon checking her home, family members found her missing and contacted police at approximately 12:15 pm on February 1. Authorities quickly determined her disappearance occurred under concerning circumstances. The Pima County Sheriff's Department (PCSD) is leading the investigation with FBI assistance, including a $50,000 reward for information leading to her recovery.
Unresolved Evidence and Suspicious Activity
Detectives are examining multiple pieces of evidence that have yet to produce definitive leads or suspects.
Neighborhood Prowler: Police are investigating reports of a man lurking in a yard near Nancy's home in early January. An elderly neighbor reported seeing a stranger on his property who fled when motion-detecting lights activated. The case has been transferred to the unit handling Nancy's abduction.
Suspicious White Van: Neighbor Brett McIntire reported seeing an unmarked white van parked near Nancy's home days before her disappearance. Unlike typical work vehicles, it lacked company branding, raising suspicions.
Security System Anomalies: Investigators revealed Nancy's doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 am on February 1, followed by her home surveillance software detecting movement at 2:12 am. No video exists from this motion, leaving it unclear whether it was caused by a person, animal, or other factor.
Pacemaker Disconnection: Nancy's pacemaker, which monitors her heart rhythm, disconnected from its tracking app at 2:28 am on February 1. Savannah Guthrie has expressed grave concerns about her mother's fragile health, noting she lives with constant pain and requires medication to survive.
Blood Evidence: Police discovered blood on the front porch of Nancy's $1 million home, with DNA testing confirming it matches hers. Investigators noted blood drops leading from the doorway to the driveway, though other DNA evidence remains under analysis.
Recent Investigative Developments
In recent days, investigators have pursued several new leads and conducted additional searches.
Vehicle of Interest: Law enforcement visited a Circle K gas station in Tucson after receiving a tip about a vehicle potentially connected to the disappearance. The store provided surveillance video and is cooperating fully with authorities.
Missed Security Camera: During a Friday evening search, detectives recovered a security camera from Nancy's roof that had been overlooked in previous examinations. They also towed a dark SUV from her garage during this operation.
Septic Tank Examination: On Sunday, investigators used a pole to check inside a septic tank behind Nancy's house. Former SWAT captain Josh Schirard suggested someone might have flushed evidence thinking it would disappear, only for it to deposit in the tank.
Annie's Home Search: Detectives searched the home of Annie and Tommaso Cioni, where Nancy visited before disappearing. Officials were seen carrying evidence processing tools and wearing protective gloves, though what they collected remains undisclosed.
Ransom Communications and Family Pleas
Multiple news outlets have received purported ransom notes demanding payment for Nancy's safe return. KOLD received the first note last Monday around 5 pm, which was immediately forwarded to the FBI. A second message arrived Friday morning from a different IP address, though neither provided proof of life.
KGUN 9 reported receiving a message demanding $6 million in Bitcoin by Monday's deadline, threatening Nancy's life if unpaid. In response, Savannah Guthrie posted a video on Instagram with her siblings, stating, "We received your message and we understand... we beg you now to return our mother to us... we will pay." Authorities have not publicly confirmed the validity of any ransom letters.
As the deadline approaches, investigators continue working to connect the case's convoluted evidence while the Guthrie family awaits news of their mother's fate.
