The family of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television host Savannah Guthrie, has issued a desperate plea for public assistance as the search enters its ninth day. Investigators believe she was taken against her will from her home near Tucson, Arizona, on the night of 31 January or early 1 February.
Savannah Guthrie, who has been absent from NBC's Today show since her mother's disappearance, released a video on social media saying: 'We believe our mom is still out there. We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly, around the clock, trying to bring her home, trying to find her. She was taken and we don't know where.'
Detectives are analysing a purported ransom note demanding $6m by 5pm MT on Monday. In a separate video, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings said: 'We will pay.' However, the Pima County Sheriff's Department confirmed on Monday that no suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles have been identified, and the FBI stated it is not aware of any continued communication between the family and suspected kidnappers.
Authorities have searched the Guthrie residence multiple times, reportedly finding blood and signs of forced entry. Drone footage captured officers examining a septic tank, and a vehicle believed to be Nancy Guthrie's was towed away. The sheriff leading the investigation, Chris Nanos, has faced criticism for attending a college basketball game on the same day the family released a second video pleading for her safe return.
