The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is continuing to investigate the high-profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, nearly six months after she vanished from her Arizona home. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1 after returning home from a family game night the prior evening. Investigators believe she was taken from her home against her will in the early morning hours without her phone or essential medications.
Pima County Sheriff Reviews DNA and Video Evidence
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided an update on the ongoing investigation, stating that detectives are sorting through a large volume of evidence. We have so much DNA to sort through. We have so much in terms of video evidence to look at,
Nanos said during an appearance on the “Today” show. Nanos added that DNA samples are being analyzed by multiple labs across the country that are collaborating on the evidence, expressing confidence that we’re going to resolve this case.
Extortion Demands and Ransom Notes Under Scrutiny
The investigation has been complicated by multiple communications sent to media outlets and the Guthrie family. The FBI Phoenix office stated that while some messages have been deemed illegitimate extortion attempts, other ransom demands are potentially legitimate and remain under active investigation. The FBI continues to investigate the disappearance as a kidnapping for ransom, working in coordination with local authorities who oversee the probe.
Earlier notes sent to local media outlets demanded millions of dollars in bitcoin, while subsequent messages claimed that Nancy Guthrie had died shortly after being taken. Law enforcement and the Guthrie family previously asked news organizations to withhold certain details of the notes to help authenticate future communications. In addition to the ransom messages, outlets such as TMZ received emails demanding $100,000 in exchange for information regarding the missing matriarch.
Surveillance Footage and Doorbell Camera Clues
Authorities previously released images from a doorbell camera at Nancy Guthrie’s residence showing a suspect tampering with the camera prior to her disappearance. The individual in the footage was described by the FBI as a man approximately 5’9″ to 5’10” tall with an average build, wearing gloves and carrying a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. Investigators also recovered a glove in roadside brush approximately two miles from the Guthrie home.
As the active search continues with no arrests made, the FBI is offering a reward of $100,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery and the arrest and conviction of those involved. Additionally, the Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward for her safe return. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Family Pleas and Ongoing Search Efforts
Savannah Guthrie issued a fresh emotional plea on social media, urging anyone with knowledge of her mother’s whereabouts to come forward. I know that you have tried to do things the right way. So, I’m asking you, begging you, to do the right thing now,
she said in the video. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her.
Sheriff Nanos emphasized that detectives are taking every tip and lead seriously as the investigation approaches the six-month mark. Authorities have urged the public to submit any information to help bring the case to a resolution.
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