The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie, passed the one-week mark over the weekend. Nancy Guthrie was reported abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, sometime between the night of Saturday, Feb. 2, and the morning of Sunday, Feb. 3.
According to the family, two alleged ransom notes have been received. The first demanded $1 million, while a more recent message increased the demand to $6 million. Over the weekend, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, Camron and Annie, shared a video on social media appealing directly to the person believed to be responsible.
“We received your message, and we understand,” Guthrie said in the video. “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.”
Former FBI Official Raises Doubts
As the investigation continues, former FBI assistant director Chris Swecker expressed skepticism about whether the case involves an actual kidnapping. Speaking on Fox News’ The Big Weekend Show, Swecker questioned the nature of the ransom demands.
“Is this really a kidnapping? Does somebody really have her, and is she really alive?” Swecker asked. He pointed to the sudden increase in the ransom amount as a cause for concern.
“Remember, it was $1 million not too long ago. All of a sudden, it’s $6 million,” he said. “I think there may be a third party involved — opportunists who believe they can exploit this situation.”
Swecker added that the absence of verified evidence regarding Nancy Guthrie’s condition raises further doubts.
“If this were a kidnapping, it would be very simple to authenticate and provide proof of life,” he said, noting that no such evidence has been credibly confirmed.
No Suspects Identified
In a statement posted on social media on Sunday, Feb. 8, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that no suspects have been identified more than a week after Guthrie’s disappearance.
“The Nancy Guthrie investigation is ongoing. Follow-up continues at multiple locations. No suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles have been identified. No scheduled press briefings. If any significant developments occur, a press conference will be called,” the department stated.
The most recent alleged ransom note reportedly sets a deadline of Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. Arizona time (7 p.m. ET).
