Authorities were tracking a ransom note with a 5 p.m. deadline Monday, Feb. 9, instructing Nancy Guthrie’s family to pay $6 million.
“Today” show host Savannah Guthrie posted her fourth video on social media since her mother’s disappearance Monday afternoon. This time, she addressed her followers rather than the unknown, suspected abductor.
“As we enter into another week of this nightmare, I just want to say, first of all, thank you so much for all of the prayers and the love that we have felt, my sister and brother and I… and that our mom has felt.”
More than a week after officials said Guthrie may have been taken from her Catalina Foothills home, Pima County sheriff’s officials and the FBI have not publicly identified a suspect or person of interest.
“Law enforcement is working tirelessly around the clock, trying to bring her home, trying to find her. She was taken and we don’t know where, and we need your help,” Savannah Guthrie said.
She urged anyone in Tucson or elsewhere to report suspicious activity to authorities.
“If you see anything, if you hear anything, if there’s anything at all that seems strange to you that you report to law enforcement,” Savannah Guthrie said. “We are at an hour of desperation.”
The 84-year-old is described by officials as mentally sharp but dependent on daily medication and facing mobility issues — ruling out the possibility that she wandered from her residence.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said investigators believe Guthrie may have been abducted. Despite concerns that being separated from her medication could endanger her life, authorities continue to classify the case as a missing-person investigation.
FBI officials acknowledged last week that a ransom letter had been sent to several media outlets and said they were taking it seriously.
At least three media organizations reported receiving ransom notes, which have been handed over to investigators. Authorities made an arrest after one ransom message turned out to be fake.
KOLD, a Tucson CBS affiliate, said it received a new ransom message by email tied to the case but could not disclose its contents. The FBI said it was aware of the message and was reviewing its authenticity.
KGUN, Tucson’s ABC affiliate, said it also received a ransom message setting a 5 p.m. MST deadline Monday to pay $6 million. It was unclear what would happen if the deadline was not met, only that it would be “consequential,” according to FBI officials.
It was also unclear whether all of the notes were identical.
FBI Special Agent Heith Janke said during a Thursday news conference that there has not been proof of life established.
“As with every lead, we are taking it seriously. We are in communication with the family, and while we advise and recommend, from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family,” he said.
In a video posted Saturday, Savannah Guthrie said the family was willing to pay to have her mother returned.
In Monday’s video, she again thanked supporters for their prayers and messages.
“We believe that somehow, some way, (our mom) is feeling these prayers and that God is lifting her – even in this moment and even in this darkest place.”
“We believe our mom is still out there. We need your help.”
The sheriff’s department established a tip line QR code to gather information from the community. People can directly submit photos or videos that may be helpful to the investigation.
Anyone with tips can also call 88-CRIME.
The FBI announced Thursday it is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s return and the arrest and conviction of those responsible for her disappearance.
