Former FBI Agent: Kidnappers of Savannah Guthrie's Mother Crave Attention
The frantic search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, has now entered its second week with authorities still unable to identify any suspects in what a former FBI agent describes as an unconventional kidnapping case.
Unusual Tactics Point to Desire for Publicity
Daniel Brunner, a 20-year veteran of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, told NewsNation that the individuals responsible for Nancy Guthrie's disappearance appear to be motivated by a desire for public attention rather than traditional criminal objectives.
"They want attention, they want the spotlight to be put on this incident," Brunner stated, noting the irregular pattern of ransom notes being sent directly to media outlets instead of the Guthrie family.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed at a Thursday news conference that investigators have not identified any suspects nor ruled anyone out in the case. Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home near Tucson over the previous weekend.
Evidence and Investigation Details
DNA testing has confirmed that blood found on Guthrie's front porch matches the missing woman, according to Sheriff Nanos. The investigation has seen FBI agents sweeping the Guthrie residence as the search entered its sixth day.
Brunner expressed concern about the potential danger created by the kidnappers' apparent desire for publicity. "The more attention this gets, the more dangerous it is for [Nancy Guthrie]," he warned. "Because if it gets more attention, the kidnappers may do something rash because they're getting so nervous about the circle closing in on them."
Media Involvement and Family Pleas
Tucson television station KOLD reported receiving a new email message related to the Guthrie case on Friday, though the station declined to disclose its contents. The FBI confirmed awareness of the message and is reviewing its authenticity.
KOLD was among several media outlets that received ransom messages earlier in the week. FBI Phoenix chief Heith Janke revealed that the notes included:
- A monetary demand with an initial deadline that passed Thursday evening
- A second deadline set for Monday if the first wasn't met
- References to a floodlight at Guthrie's home and an Apple watch
Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings released an emotional video message on Wednesday directly addressing their mother's kidnapper, expressing willingness to talk but requesting proof that Nancy remains alive. Camron Guthrie reiterated the family's plea in a separate video posted Thursday.
"Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven't heard anything directly," Camron Guthrie stated.
Law Enforcement Response and Political Reactions
Brunner emphasized that if the Guthrie family decides to pay any ransom, it should be coordinated through the FBI. Meanwhile, former homicide detective Ted Williams suggested in a Fox News interview that initial investigators may have contaminated the crime scene.
President Donald Trump offered an optimistic assessment while speaking aboard Air Force One en route to his Florida estate. "We have some clues that I think are very strong," Trump said. "We have some things that may be coming out reasonably soon."
Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed federal authorities are assisting Arizona officials but declined to provide specific details about their involvement.
Ongoing Search Operations
Investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie's neighborhood over the weekend, with the Pima County Sheriff's Department restricting access to the road in front of her home to provide space for investigative work. Authorities directed media organizations that had staked out the location to relocate.
The Catalina Foothills Association informed residents via letter that law enforcement was resuming search operations in the immediate area. The neighborhood group president expressed collective disbelief and sadness while thanking residents for cooperating with investigators.
Sheriff Nanos acknowledged challenges with technological evidence, stating: "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. There are pieces of information that come to us from these tech groups that say 'this is what we have and we can't get anymore.'"
The investigation continues with no suspects identified and all possibilities remaining open as authorities work to locate Nancy Guthrie and apprehend those responsible for her disappearance.
