The disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of 'Today' co-host Savannah Guthrie, from her Arizona home has escalated into a complex investigation involving ransom demands, a $50,000 FBI reward, and a new message under scrutiny. Authorities face challenges, including a lack of video footage and the FBI's acknowledgment that AI is complicating the search efforts.
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' co-host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for six days from her detached ranch-style home in the Catalina Foothills, outside Tucson, Arizona. Her disappearance is being treated as a possible abduction after blood was found on her porch. The FBI is actively investigating ransom demands, which initially had a Thursday 5 p.m. deadline and a second deadline for Monday, and has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to her recovery or the arrest and conviction of those involved. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed investigators are inspecting a 'new message' for authenticity, while also expressing hope for her return. Attorney General Pam Bondi has shared her heartbreak, and President Donald Trump has directed federal law enforcement resources to assist in the search. A significant hurdle in the investigation is the lack of video footage; Nancy's doorbell camera was disconnected, and despite detecting movement, no recoverable footage exists due to an inactive subscription, which Sheriff Nanos called 'disappointing.' The FBI is also planning to display information on billboards across Arizona and neighboring states. Concerns are heightened due to Nancy's fragile health, as she has high blood pressure, a pacemaker, cardiac issues, and relies on daily medication, with potential fatal consequences if not taken. Reports from TMZ and other news outlets indicate they received 'well written' ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin, which included a timeframe for Nancy's return and suggested possible locations in nearby states. Furthermore, the FBI has stated that artificial intelligence is complicating the search for the missing grandmother.
