The search for Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy, has taken a chilling turn. Authorities are now investigating a possible ransom note demanding millions for her safe return — and the clock is ticking.
“So, we got something in our email…”
With the FBI now involved and the White House urging the public to help, the search for “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother pressed on Tuesday, over 48 hours after she was reported missing from her Tucson home.
“It’s a race against time,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC. “I hope that window hasn’t closed,” noting that 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie may be without the daily medication she depends on.
At the same time, the media outlet TMZ reports that they have received a ransom note.
“So, we got something in our email that looks like a, it’s written like a ransom note for Savannah Guthrie’s mother,” TMZ’s Harvey Levin said.
He added that the note requests “a very specific” amount of money.
“And, also, at the bottom there are certain things they’re saying about what she was wearing and damage to the house to say, ‘It’s us,’” Levin explained. “So, we have contacted the sheriff’s department and we want to get them this letter.”
The demands
Levin cautioned that TMZ can’t confirm if the letter is authentic, but said it’s written as if only insiders would know the details. “There’s a dollar demand or else in there. So, we will let you know as this thing kind of develops,” he said.
The possible ransom note set a deadline for the ransom and suggested that harm could come to Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy, if the demanded amount wasn’t met. According to the site, the note specifies “a substantial amount of Bitcoin … the amount is in the millions” and includes a deadline — along with an ominous “or else.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has acknowledged that ‘possible random note(s)’ are circulating in connection with the case, but did not confirm their legitimacy. To be clear, police once again declined to confirm whether the TMZ note is genuine or the work of a hoaxer.
“We are taking all tips and leads very seriously,” Nanos said. “We have all kinds of investigative leads we’re working on.”
Pacemaker stopped syncing
Officers are also looking at registered sex offenders in the area as part of the investigation. Police have not confirmed whether blood was found inside the home, but according to police sources and L.A Times, signs of forced entry and blood were discovered, along with Nancy’s personal devices, which were left behind.
Nancy Guthrie, a resident of Catalina Foothills, Arizona, was last seen Saturday night after being dropped off by Savannah’s sister. She was reported missing Sunday morning after failing to attend church. Police say she was likely taken from her home in the middle of the night.
Nancy’s pacemaker stopped syncing with her devices around 2 a.m., suggesting she may have been taken around that time. Authorities warn that without her essential medications, her life could be in immediate danger.
Savannah Guthrie has called on the public for support. “On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support,” she said. “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom.”
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Guthrie family.
