Published

Crime03 February, 20262 min read

Savannah Guthrie Pleads With Kidnappers To Prove Her Mother Is Alive

Savannah Guthrie and siblings posted a tearful video demanding proof that Nancy Guthrie is alive Investigators found signs of forced entry, blood, and left belongings; FBI joined the kidnapping investigation

Savannah Guthrie Pleads With Kidnappers To Prove Her Mother Is Alive
Image: WWNY
Compared

85 outlets told this the same way.

Nancy Guthrie disappearance update

Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of NBC "Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been missing from her Catalina Foothills, Tucson-area home since late Saturday. Investigators say she was last seen around 9:30-9:45 p.m. Authorities are treating the disappearance as a possible abduction.

“Savannah Guthrie says her family will communicate with anyone holding their missing 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, but they want proof she is alive; Nancy was last seen Saturday around 9:45 p.m.”
AP News

They have searched the property and the surrounding area for several days. The FBI has provided assistance while detectives review surveillance footage, cellphone-tower data, and DNA results.

Image from 12News
Image: 12News

Investigators caution that no suspects have been identified. The family and community remain focused on bringing Nancy home and ensuring she receives the life-saving medication she requires.

Reporting for this sectionAP NewsABC NewsLos Angeles TimesCNN

Guthrie family seeks proof

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted an emotional Instagram video. They asked anyone holding their mother to make contact and provide indisputable proof she is alive, repeatedly warning that audio and images can be manipulated. In a prepared statement, Savannah said the family is ready to talk but will not negotiate without unquestionable proof of Nancy's safety and emphasized Nancy's fragile health and dependence on daily medication.

Crime-scene investigation update

Law enforcement has treated the home as a crime scene and has reviewed cameras, cellphone-tower data and other forensics. Several outlets reported signs of forced entry and traces of blood at the house. Authorities have submitted DNA for testing, and at least one local outlet forwarded an alleged ransom note to investigators.

Investigators say some DNA results have returned but no suspects have been identified. The FBI has sent specialized agents and technical support to assist the Pima County sheriff's office.

Community and official responses

Tucson residents held candlelight and prayer vigils.

Local leaders and national figures offered support, and several outlets reported a service at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church.

Former President Donald Trump and other national officials were reported to have spoken with Savannah.

Federal law-enforcement assets, including FBI specialists, were dispatched to assist.

The Guthrie family thanked supporters and asked for prayers.

Savannah stepped away from the Today show and from planned Olympic coverage to be with family.

Coverage differences and cautions

Reporting diverged on sensational details, including alleged multimillion-dollar cryptocurrency ransom claims and differing accounts of physical evidence. Tabloid and some online outlets cited an alleged Bitcoin ransom that was widely circulated and attributed to media outlets receiving notes, while many mainstream and local authorities said the notes' authenticity remained unverified and urged the public not to spread speculation. Across sources there is agreement on the family's plea, that an investigation is active, and that no suspects have been publicly identified.

“TMZ published an alleged ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin for Nancy’s return.”
E! Online