A ransom note demanding money for the return of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” present host Savannah Guthrie, has develop into central to the investigation following her apparent abduction from her Tucson-area home five days ago. Her family has released multiple videos appealing to potential kidnappers for communication.
Two Deadlines
The ransom note included a first deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday and a second demand with a Monday deadline, according to Heith Janke, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix division. The consequences of missing these deadlines were not disclosed.
Nancy’s son, Camron Guthrie, issued a video plea Thursday afternoon, coinciding with the first deadline. He stated, “Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so You can move forward.”
Harry Levin, founder of TMZ, who reviewed one of three identical letters sent to media outlets, stated that “the Monday deadline is far more consequential.” TMZ reported the note demanded millions in cryptocurrency, and confirmed the bitcoin address was real.
Carefully Crafted Letter
Authorities and those who have seen the note describe it as “carefully crafted.” Harry Levin said in an interview with CNN, “This is a letter that really spells out precisely what they want done, what the consequences are if they don’t get what they want.” He added, “They began the letter by saying that Nancy is OK but scared.”
Levin also noted the letter stated, “You will have no way of contacting me,” and that significant effort was taken to ensure anonymity.
Unique Details
Law enforcement sources believe the ransom note is legitimate due to its inclusion of details about Nancy Guthrie’s home that were not public. Specifically, the note referenced details about an Apple Watch and a floodlight, according to Janke. Levin stated that the specific detail regarding the Apple Watch was particularly significant.
Mary Coleman, an anchor at KOLD-TV, added that the note contained “information that only someone who is holding her for ransom would know — some very sensitive information and things that people who were there when she was taken captive would know.”
Race Against Time
Authorities are treating the search as a race against time. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated, “Right now we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home.” A combined team of local and federal agencies is working “round the clock” on the case.
While there is no proof of life, authorities are operating under the assumption that Nancy Guthrie is still alive. Yet, concerns are growing due to her physical ailments, including the need for daily medication, which she is currently without. Sheriff Nanos expressed fear for her well-being, stating, “This is Day 4 or 5 and still we don’t know that she’s getting her medication and that could in itself be fatal.”
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional video pleading for contact from the suspected abductors, emphasizing her mother’s pain and need for medication. Savannah Guthrie stated, “We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current status of the investigation?
Authorities are actively investigating the abduction of Nancy Guthrie and are treating the case as a race against time. They are working with local and federal partners and have received a ransom note with two deadlines.
What details were included in the ransom note?
The ransom note demanded millions in cryptocurrency and included details about Nancy Guthrie’s home, specifically an Apple Watch and a floodlight, that had not been made public. It also stated the abductors would not be contacted.
What are the family’s concerns regarding Nancy Guthrie’s health?
The family is concerned about Nancy Guthrie’s health as she has physical ailments and requires daily medication that she is currently without. Authorities are operating under the assumption she is alive, but acknowledge the risk to her health.
What role might the Monday deadline play in the unfolding events?
