Monday marks 100 days since Nancy Guthrie, the elderly mother of longtime "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen. While public updates have slowed, authorities say they are optimistic they will have more answers soon.
"As we reach the 100-day mark in this investigation, scientific evidence processing and digital media analysis remain ongoing," the Pima County Sheriff's Office, which is leading the investigation alongside the FBI, told HuffPost, adding that officers are still pursuing leads and tips. "We remain committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation and appreciate the public's continued patience and cooperation."
The update comes days after Sheriff Chris Nanos told Fox News he believes his department is closer to solving what happened to the 84-year-old, who was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona, home on Jan. 31. Developments are "really great," he added as he got into a vehicle on Friday.
The 100-day mark comes shortly after Savannah Guthrie shared a heartfelt Mother's Day message alongside a picture and video compilation of her mom. She urged anyone with information to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
"Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie - we miss you with every breath," the journalist wrote. "We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you."
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will, possibly in the middle of the night. In the week following her disappearance, a local Arizona news station and TMZ received alleged ransom notes demanding a large payment of bitcoins before a deadline. TMZ has reported receiving several ransom notes in the weeks and months following her disappearance, including as recently as April 6.
Shortly after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, her children filmed and shared a video on social media that mentioned the ransom notes and asked for proof that their mother was alive. "We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated," Savannah Guthrie said in the video. "We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us."
Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect in the case, but have released doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual on Nancy Guthrie's front porch the night she went missing. In surveillance video released by the FBI on Feb. 10, a person can be seen approaching the front door while wearing a ski mask, long pants, a jacket and gloves. A glove recovered near the home was sent for DNA testing, but the results did not match any entries in a national database.
Savannah Guthrie returned to her role on the "Today" show in April, but has continued to plead for her mother's safe return. Members of the Guthrie family announced in February that they were offering a $1 million reward for any information that leads to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie, while the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward.
