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In a desperate plea for her mother’s safe return, “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie has publicly addressed the potential kidnappers of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, confirming the family’s willingness to pay for her release. The emotional video statement, released Saturday, marks a critical development as the search enters its seventh day.
“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” Guthrie said in the video, flanked by her siblings. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
The statement appears to respond directly to a message sent to Tucson-based television station KOLD on Friday, according to Kevin Smith, spokesperson for the FBI’s Phoenix office. While KOLD acknowledged receiving an email related to the Guthrie case, the station has withheld specific details during the FBI’s review.
Multiple media outlets reportedly received alleged ransom letters throughout the week. At least one letter included monetary demands and established deadlines for Thursday evening and the following Monday. This latest video marks the third appeal the family has made this week to those who may be holding Nancy Guthrie.
Law enforcement officials have been careful not to confirm the credibility of these communications, though they noted during a Thursday news conference that one letter referenced specific details about Nancy Guthrie’s Apple watch and a feature of her property. Authorities have emphasized that all tips are being investigated thoroughly.
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will from her home on the outskirts of Tucson last weekend. DNA analysis confirmed that blood found on her front porch matched her, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. No suspects have been identified in the case, nor has anyone been ruled out.
The investigation has encountered technical obstacles that have complicated efforts to identify potential suspects. Sheriff Nanos expressed frustration that a doorbell camera at Nancy Guthrie’s residence failed to capture usable images from the day she disappeared.
“It is concerning, it’s actually almost disappointing, because you’ve got your hopes up,” Nanos told The Associated Press. “OK, they got an image. ‘Well, we do, but we don’t.'”
Investigators have determined that the doorbell camera was disconnected early Sunday, with software data recording movement at the home minutes later. However, without an active subscription service, no images could be recovered from the device.
President Donald Trump commented on the case Friday while aboard Air Force One, suggesting progress in the investigation. “We have some clues that I think are very strong,” Trump said. “We have some things that may be coming out reasonably soon.” The president has previously directed federal authorities to assist with the investigation.
Investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie’s neighborhood on Friday, with the sheriff’s department restricting access to the road in front of her home to facilitate their work. The Catalina Foothills Association informed residents that authorities were resuming searches in the area, noting the community’s “collective disbelief and sadness” over the situation.
As the search continues, concerns about Nancy Guthrie’s health have intensified. Authorities have indicated she requires daily medication for various conditions, including heart issues. According to sheriff’s dispatcher audio, she has a pacemaker and has dealt with high blood pressure.
“Her conditions, I would imagine, are worsening day by day,” Sheriff Nanos said. “She requires medication. And I have no way of knowing whether they’re getting that medication to her.”
The high-profile kidnapping has captured nationwide attention, with law enforcement agencies at multiple levels coordinating their efforts to locate the elderly woman. The family’s willingness to communicate directly with the alleged kidnappers signals their mounting desperation as time passes without resolution.
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12 Comments
The Guthrie family’s desperation is palpable in their public plea. I hope the authorities are working diligently to locate Mrs. Guthrie and bring her home safely, without the family having to resort to potentially dangerous negotiations.
This is an incredibly complex and high-stakes situation. I sincerely hope the family’s plea is heard and that Mrs. Guthrie is returned home unharmed.
While the family’s video plea is understandable, the involvement of potential kidnappers is extremely worrying. I hope the authorities are employing all necessary resources to ensure Mrs. Guthrie’s safe return without further escalation of the situation.
This is a deeply troubling development. I can only imagine the anguish the Guthrie family is experiencing. I hope a peaceful resolution is reached swiftly.
This is a truly distressing situation. I hope the family is able to secure the safe return of their elderly mother without further incident. It’s heartbreaking to see them having to negotiate with potential kidnappers.
My thoughts are with the Guthrie family during this incredibly difficult time. I sincerely hope a peaceful resolution can be reached soon.
This is an incredibly distressing situation. The Guthrie family’s willingness to pay for Mrs. Guthrie’s release is understandable, but the involvement of potential kidnappers is deeply concerning. I hope the authorities are pursuing all available avenues to secure her safe return.
My heart goes out to the Guthrie family during this harrowing ordeal. I hope a peaceful resolution can be reached swiftly, and that Mrs. Guthrie is returned home safely.
As a viewer, it’s disturbing to see this unfolding in the public eye. I can only imagine the intense stress and worry the family must be experiencing. I hope the authorities are working diligently to locate Mrs. Guthrie and bring her home safely.
This is a complex and sensitive situation. I hope the family’s plea resonates with the kidnappers and that they choose to release Mrs. Guthrie unharmed.
The details of this case are truly alarming. I’m hopeful the family’s willingness to negotiate will lead to a positive outcome, but the risk involved is deeply concerning. My heart goes out to the Guthries during this incredibly trying time.
This is a harrowing situation. I sincerely hope the authorities are able to locate Mrs. Guthrie and reunite her with her family safely.