In a heart-wrenching development, Today show host Savannah Guthrie has publicly appealed to the potential kidnappers of her elderly mother, Nancy Guthrie, declaring the family's readiness to pay for her safe return. The frantic search for the 84-year-old woman, who vanished from her Arizona home over a week ago, has now entered a critical seventh day with no suspects identified.
Desperate Video Message from the Guthrie Family
Flanked by her siblings Annie and Camron in a video posted on social media on Saturday, Savannah Guthrie delivered a direct message to those believed to be holding her mother captive. "We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her," she pleaded emotionally. "This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."
The video, recorded at an unspecified location and released on February 4th, represents the family's most public response yet to what authorities suspect is a kidnapping. It remains unclear whether Guthrie was referring to a new communication from the alleged kidnappers or responding to previous messages.
Investigative Challenges and Frustrations
Law enforcement officials face significant obstacles in their investigation. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that a camera at Nancy Guthrie's home near Tucson failed to capture images on the day she disappeared, despite evidence suggesting movement at the property. "I wish technology was as easy as we believe it is, that here's a picture, here's your bad guy. But it's not," Nanos told the Associated Press.
Investigators have determined that the home's doorbell camera was disconnected early Sunday morning, with software data indicating movement minutes later. However, because Nancy Guthrie did not maintain an active subscription service, none of the potentially crucial images could be recovered. This technological limitation has hampered efforts to identify perpetrators or understand the circumstances of her disappearance.
Medical Concerns and Ransom Communications
Compounding the urgency is Nancy Guthrie's declining health condition. Authorities confirm she requires vital daily medication for serious medical issues including a pacemaker, high blood pressure, and heart problems. "Her conditions, I would imagine, are worsening day by day," Sheriff Nanos stated. "She requires medication. And I have no way of knowing whether they're getting that medication to her."
The investigation has been complicated by multiple communications to media outlets. Tucson television station KOLD reported receiving an email message related to the case on Friday, though they declined to disclose its contents. The FBI has confirmed awareness of a new message and is currently reviewing its authenticity. Sheriff Nanos indicated the FBI is handling all aspects related to ransom communications, including purported letters sent to various media organizations.
Evidence Points to Forcible Removal
Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her residence last weekend. DNA testing has confirmed that blood discovered on her front porch matches her genetic profile, strengthening the kidnapping theory. Despite this evidence and the discovery of blood droplets, investigators have not identified any suspects nor ruled anyone out of their inquiry.
The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie's prominence as the longtime host of NBC's Today show. The Associated Press has reached out to both the FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department seeking additional details about the investigation's progress and the family's communications with potential kidnappers.
As the search continues, the Guthrie family's public plea represents their most direct attempt to secure Nancy's safe return through whatever means necessary. The emotional video message underscores their desperation and willingness to negotiate for the 84-year-old's freedom amid growing concerns about her medical wellbeing.
