The initial deadline specified in a ransom note related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, expired at 5 p.m. MT on Thursday without resolution. Authorities addressed the situation at a press conference, confirming the ransom demand set a second deadline for the following Monday.
Camron Guthrie, Nancy’s son, publicly pleaded for captors to establish communication: “We need you to reach out so we can move forward,” he stated. “First, we have to know you have our mom. We want to talk and are waiting for contact.”
FBI Special Agent Heith Janke noted the second deadline but withheld further specifics, emphasizing that the FBI treats all leads seriously while advising the family, who ultimately decide how to respond to ransom terms.
Earlier in the week, separate ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin were sent to media outlets, including TMZ. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department acknowledged the notes and confirmed investigators are scrutinizing all potential leads, though no suspects or persons of interest have been named.
Sheriff Chris Nanos outlined the timeline: Nancy, 84, was last seen on January 31 when dropped at her Tucson-area home. She was reported missing the next morning, prompting an immediate search. DNA tests later confirmed blood found outside her home belonged to her.
A $50,000 reward is offered for information leading to Nancy’s return. In a heartfelt video, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings begged for their mother’s release. Savannah directly addressed the captor, requesting undeniable proof of life: “We live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know she is alive. We want to hear from you and are ready to listen.”
FBI agents met with the family this week, including Savannah, to discuss the ongoing investigation.