Afternoon ransom deadline nears as investigators return to Nancy Guthrie’s home
Investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie’s Arizona home over the weekend as the search for the missing mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie now enters its ninth day. The renewed law-enforcement activity coincides with a second ransom deadline set for 5 p.m. Monday.
Sheriff’s vehicles and officials were seen Sunday outside Nancy Guthrie’s home in the Catalina Foothills north of Tucson. Authorities were also outside Guthrie’s daughter Annie’s home late Saturday, indicating investigators are continuing follow-up work at multiple locations connected to the family.
There are still no named suspects.
Second ransom deadline set for Monday
According to reporting from CNN affiliate KGUN, a purported ransom note demands $6 million and threatens Guthrie’s life if payment is not made by 5 p.m. Monday. The initial note included two deadlines — one that has already passed and a second tied to Monday.
Authorities have said they are still working to verify the authenticity of that note, as well as a second message sent to a local television station on Friday that did not include a deadline but contained sensitive information. Law enforcement has not confirmed whether the messages came from the same sender.
At least three media outlets have received messages claiming to be from the abductor or abductors. Officials have said none of the notes have yet been substantiated.
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Family issues new plea: ‘We will pay’
Over the weekend, Guthrie’s children released a new video appeal addressed directly to whoever may be holding their mother. Sitting alongside her brother and sister, Savannah Guthrie said the family understands the message they received and is prepared to pay for Nancy Guthrie’s return.
“We received your message and we understand,” she said. “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.”
Authorities have said the decision to pay any ransom ultimately rests with the family. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has said it remains in communication with the family while continuing its investigation.
Search expands, questions remain
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home last weekend. DNA testing previously confirmed that blood found on her porch matched her, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Officials have also said Guthrie needs daily medication.
In a statement issued Sunday, the sheriff’s department said detectives and agents were continuing follow-up work but would not provide details. Authorities reiterated that they have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to the case.
As the second deadline arrives, officials say the investigation remains active and focused on locating Nancy Guthrie and bringing her home safely.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
