Savannah Guthrie's Plea: 'We Will Pay' for Mom's Safe Return
In a chilling development that's captured national attention, NBC's Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie has made a direct and emotional appeal to the kidnappers holding her mother, Nancy Guthrie, captive. In a video posted to Instagram on Saturday evening, Guthrie, flanked by her siblings, promised payment for her mother's safe return, escalating the urgency in the ongoing search for the 78-year-old woman missing from Tucson, Arizona.
Background of the Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home in the early hours of last Sunday, prompting immediate concern from her local church community. Members noticed her absence at Sunday services, leading to a welfare check that uncovered disturbing signs of foul play. Authorities reported that the doorbell camera at her residence had been disconnected and removed around 2:28 a.m. local time. Compounding the mystery, the app linked to Nancy's implanted pacemaker—a critical cardiac device—was also disconnected from her phone at the same time.
Investigators believe Nancy was taken against her will, describing the incident as an abduction. The Pima County Sheriff's Office has been leading the ground search, while the FBI has joined forces to probe potential leads, including suspicious communications sent to media outlets.
Family's Growing Desperation
This latest video marks the third public plea from the Guthrie family. In it, Savannah Guthrie addressed the abductors directly: "We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us. And we will pay." The family has refrained from disclosing specifics about the message to avoid jeopardizing the investigation.
Earlier pleas emphasized the need for proof of life and direct contact. On Thursday, Savannah's brother, Camron Guthrie, reiterated in another video: "We have to know that you have our mum. We want to talk to you." The siblings have stressed their willingness to negotiate, highlighting Nancy's vulnerability without her essential medications. "She is without any medicine," Savannah noted previously. "She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer."
Ransom Notes and FBI Involvement
The plot thickened earlier this week when authorities confirmed awareness of a "new message" regarding Nancy's case. FBI Special Agent Heith Janke revealed that the bureau is scrutinizing a potential ransom note that included specific details, a deadline, and a monetary demand. According to reports from NBC News and TMZ, the kidnappers are seeking millions in cryptocurrency—a favored tool among criminals for its anonymity and traceability challenges.
Several media outlets, including a local CBS affiliate and TMZ, received versions of this note, though contents remain under wraps to protect the investigation. On Friday, officials described the message as containing "facts associated with a deadline with a monetary value they were asking for." In a positive but unrelated development, the FBI arrested an individual on Thursday for distributing a fake ransom note, underscoring the flood of misinformation complicating the case.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos remains optimistic, stating on Thursday: "Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home. Everybody's still a suspect in our eyes." A $50,000 reward is offered for information leading to her recovery, and federal resources are fully engaged.
High-Profile Support and Public Reaction
The case has drawn widespread sympathy, including from former President Donald Trump. Last week, Trump spoke with Savannah Guthrie and pledged federal assistance. On Friday, he updated reporters: "I think we're doing very well, meaning we have some clues, I think that are very strong and I think we could have some answers coming up fairly soon."
In Tucson, the community is reeling. Local residents express shock and disbelief, with one neighbor telling reporters, "I don't want to imagine what happened." Church members, who first raised the alarm, continue to hold prayer vigils, fostering a sense of unity amid the tragedy.
Challenges in the Investigation
Despite leads, progress has been slow. No person of interest or suspect has been publicly identified, and direct contact with the kidnappers remains elusive for the family. The disconnection of the pacemaker app raises alarms about Nancy's health; without monitoring or medication, her condition could deteriorate rapidly.
Experts note that cryptocurrency ransoms add layers of complexity, as blockchain transactions can be hard to trace without international cooperation. The FBI's involvement signals a multi-agency effort, potentially including cyber forensics specialists to unravel the digital trail.
Broader Implications for Elderly Safety
This abduction highlights vulnerabilities faced by seniors living alone, especially those with medical devices. Advocacy groups are calling for enhanced home security measures, like tamper-proof cameras and emergency alerts tied to health monitors. As the search continues, the Guthrie family's resolve serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind such crimes.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Office or the FBI tip line. The nation watches and waits, hoping for a safe resolution to this harrowing ordeal.
Updates will follow as new developments emerge in the search for Nancy Guthrie.
