Ransom Notes, Blood Evidence: Kidnapping Case of US Anchor’s Mother Under Investigation
Investigators say Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home near Tucson last weekend. DNA analysis confirmed that the blood found on her front porch belonged to Guthrie.
The urgent investigation into the alleged kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie continued Sunday, a week after the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie was reported missing in Arizona.
In a social media video released Saturday, Savannah Guthrie appealed directly to the suspected kidnapper, saying the family was prepared to pay for her safe return.
“We received your message,” Guthrie said, speaking with her siblings. “This is the only way we’re going to get peace of mind. She is so precious to us, and we will pay whatever it takes.”
An FBI spokesperson said Savannah Guthrie was referring to a message sent Friday to Tucson television station KOLD.
The station declined to share details about the message’s contents, citing the ongoing FBI review.
According to an email from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department on Sunday, detectives and agents continued follow-up work at multiple locations as part of the investigation.
The agency said in the email to media outlets that it would not release details about that work at this time.
The email read, “Investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to this case.”
Two marked sheriff’s cars and another vehicle arrived at Nancy Guthrie’s home around midday Sunday, and at least two people went to the back of the house for more than 20 minutes before leaving without comment.
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home outside Tucson last weekend. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said DNA testing has confirmed that blood found on Guthrie’s front porch matches hers.
Several news outlets reportedly received ransom letters last week. At least one letter demanded money and set deadlines for Thursday evening and Monday evening. Law enforcement officials declined to confirm the authenticity of the letters but said all tips are being taken seriously.
The disappearance of the mother of a prominent TV host has been a topic of discussion among Americans this past week. Candles burned near Nancy Guthrie’s home Sunday morning, along with a sign showing support for the family.
The White House said President Donald Trump spoke with Savannah Guthrie by phone last week. The president told reporters Friday that there are leads in the case “that I think are very strong.”
Authorities say they are increasingly concerned about Nancy Guthrie’s health, as she requires daily medication. According to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on Broadcastify.com, she reportedly has a pacemaker and suffers from high blood pressure and heart problems.
The video released Saturday was the third this week appealing to the potential kidnapper.
