Second Ransom Deadline Passes in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case
A second ransom deadline has come and gone in the high-profile kidnapping case of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie. Federal authorities have confirmed they are "not aware" of any contact between the Guthrie family and the individuals claiming to have abducted Nancy.
Escalating Ransom Demands and Chilling Threats
The alleged kidnappers issued their demands through ransom notes sent to media outlets including TMZ and local Arizona television stations. The notes outlined a two-part payment structure:
- $4 million in bitcoin due last Thursday
- $6 million if the initial deadline was not met, with payment required by Monday at 5 p.m. local time
Reports indicate the first deadline passed without payment, and it remains unclear whether the increased $6 million demand was met on Monday. TMZ's Harvey Levin revealed to CNN that the initial ransom note contained what he described as a "chilling" threat directed at the Guthrie family if they failed to comply.
Levin read one particularly ominous line from the note: "It is in the best interest of anyone to have this completed as soon as possible." He added, "That's all I will say... but it is chilling when you read that sentence. It's short and it is to the point."
FBI Involvement and Family's Desperate Pleas
The FBI has become increasingly involved in the investigation, with FBI Phoenix spokesperson Connor Hagan stating, "The FBI is not aware of any continued communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers." The bureau is now offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy's recovery or an arrest in the case.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 after being dropped off by a family member following dinner. Police were alerted the following day when she failed to appear for church services. On February 3, authorities announced they believed Nancy had been taken against her will, with Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirming that blood droplets found on the porch of Nancy's Tucson home matched her DNA.
As of February 8, the Pima County Sheriff's Department reported that no suspects or persons of interest had been identified, despite multiple public appeals from Nancy's children—Savannah, Annie, and Camron.
Family's Emotional Appeals for Help
In an emotional Instagram video posted hours before Monday's ransom deadline, Savannah Guthrie made a desperate plea for assistance. "We are at an hour of desperation," she stated. "We believe that somehow, some way, [Nancy] is feeling these prayers and that God is lifting her even in this moment and in this darkest place. We believe our mom is still out there."
The NBC star continued with a direct appeal to the public: "We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly around the clock, trying to bring her home, trying to find her. She was taken, and we don't know where, and we need your help."
Savannah urged anyone with information, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to contact authorities immediately. In her Instagram caption, she added, "Please. Bring her home. We need you. She needs you. All of you."
The search for Nancy Guthrie has now entered its tenth day, with authorities and family members maintaining hope for her safe return. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff's Department at 520-351-4900.
