The FBI is now offering a $50,000 reward in the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Nancy was reported missing on Sunday (February 1) after she failed to attend her regular church service.
The 84-year-old was last seen at her residence in the Catalina Foothills, Tucson, Arizona, on the evening of Saturday (January 31).
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has expressed concern over her disappearance, believing she may have been abducted.
During a press conference on February 2, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department stated: “At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night. Taken against her will includes possible kidnapping or abduction.”
Reports from KOLD-TV indicate there were signs of forced entry at Nancy’s home.
Speculation about Nancy’s possible abduction has been fueled by reports of ransom notes being circulated.
Although multiple notes have been reported, one was confirmed as a hoax, and the person responsible has been apprehended.
The sheriff’s department stated: “We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie. We are taking all tips and leads very seriously.”
They further added: “Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”
Nancy remains missing, raising significant concern due to her existing health issues that require regular medication.
FBI Special Agent Heith Janke revealed at a press briefing on February 5 that a six-figure reward is being offered for information that could lead to her recovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible for her disappearance.
Special Agent Janke stated, “We are actively reviewing and analyzing information from all digital sources, which includes banks, social media companies and phone companies.”
Nancy’s family, including Savannah and her siblings Annie and Camron, are devastated by her disappearance and have made public appeals to her captors via Instagram, urging them to return her safely.
“As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk,” Savannah said in a video.
“However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt 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.”
Emphasizing her mother’s health needs, Savannah said: “She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.”
In an emotional message to her mother, Savannah expressed: “Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman,” adding, “You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy.
“We believe and know that even in this valley He is with you. Everyone is looking for you mommy, everywhere.
“We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.
” We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you.”