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Tucson, Arizona — The search for Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman reported missing a week earlier, continued Sunday as investigators followed up on leads in what authorities describe as an apparent kidnapping, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. The agency said in an email to media that investigators had not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to the case.
The case drew attention after Savannah Guthrie, the “Today” show host, released a social media video Saturday in which she addressed the people she believed had taken her mother. In the video, Savannah Guthrie said, “we received your message,” and asked for peace, adding, “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
An FBI spokesman said Savannah Guthrie was referring to a message sent to Tucson-based television station KOLD on Friday. The station declined to share details about the message’s contents as the FBI reviewed it, while investigators continued additional work at multiple locations, the sheriff’s department said.
The sheriff’s department said two marked sheriff’s cars and another vehicle arrived at Nancy Guthrie’s home around midday Sunday, and at least two people went to the back of the home for more than 20 minutes before leaving without comment. Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will last weekend from her home just outside Tucson.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos previously said DNA tests showed blood on Nancy Guthrie’s front porch was a match to her. Authorities also said they have growing concerns about her health because she needs daily medication, and she has a pacemaker, along with high blood pressure and heart issues, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio posted on broadcastify.com.
During the past week, multiple press outlets received alleged ransom letters, according to the sheriff’s department, including letters that made monetary demands and set deadlines for Thursday evening and Monday evening. Law enforcement officials declined to affirm that the letters were credible but said tips were being investigated seriously, as the case remained under active review.
The White House said President Donald Trump called Savannah Guthrie last week. Trump told reporters on Friday that he believed there were clues in the case “that I think are very strong,” according to the reporting.
Savannah Guthrie’s Saturday video was the third appeal this week made to potential kidnappers, following the initial public call when Nancy Guthrie was first reported missing.