The investigation into the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of American television host Savannah Guthrie, has expanded beyond the United States, with the FBI reaching out to Mexican law enforcement amid growing concern about her whereabouts.
The FBI contacted federal authorities in Mexico to alert law enforcement and coordinate information sharing as investigators look into the possibility that Guthrie may have been transported across the U.S.-Mexico border. However, officials stress that there is currently no concrete evidence to support such a move, TMZ reported.
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Authorities believe it is unlikely that Guthrie was taken across the border immediately after her abduction. Border Patrol surveillance systems, camera footage and electronic records were reviewed, but no definitive lead was found. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that she may have been moved later, saying illegal crossings can occur without detection.
New ransom demand under control
The expanded international reach comes as a new ransom demand related to the case emerged. TMZ reported that it received an email with a new ransom demand, allegedly related to Guthrie’s kidnapping.
Unlike the earlier demand, which reportedly asked for around $6 million, the latest report includes a different cryptocurrency and a separate digital wallet address. The email allegedly contains explicit threats describing the consequences if the ransom is not paid. the media said it passed the memo to the FBI and is withholding specific details so as not to jeopardize the investigation.
Federal authorities have warned that individuals who try to exploit the case by issuing false ransom demands could face serious legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences.
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DNA evidence found at home in Arizona
In a parallel development, investigators confirmed the discovery of biological evidence at Guthrie’s home in Arizona that did not appear to be hers. The material was recovered during a subsequent detailed search of her residence in the Catalina Foothills area, more than two weeks after the abduction.
Officials have not disclosed the nature of the evidence, the exact timing of its discovery or whether it has been fully analyzed or shared with federal forensic databases. Authorities declined to provide additional information citing the ongoing investigation.
“We believe we may have some DNA there that could be linked to the suspect,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said during a televised interview. He added that forensic analysis is a complex process and does not yield immediate results.
The sheriff’s department later confirmed that the DNA evidence was “part of an active investigation,” while declining to comment on how many profiles had been found or what stage the testing had reached.
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Past leads don’t yield any breakthroughs
The new forensic findings follow on from earlier investigative efforts that have so far yielded no clear leads. DNA tests performed on a black glove found about two hours from Guthrie’s home returned no matches in the U.S. federal DNA database.
Investigators also contacted a gun dealer in the Tucson area after identifying the type of holster the suspected kidnapper was wearing. The list of recent buyers was reviewed, but no relevant leads appeared.
In addition, the FBI team is reportedly working with major retailers, including Walmart, to trace items believed to have been worn or used by the suspect. Even these efforts have not yet led to a breakthrough.
A case with multiple answers
Nancy Guthrie was reported abducted more than two weeks ago and her whereabouts remain unknown. Authorities have not released details about the circumstances of the kidnapping, possible motives or whether the ransom demands are believed to be genuine.
Law enforcement officials say they are continuing to pursue all available leads, describing their approach as “shaking the trees” in hopes of uncovering new information.
With the investigation now in its third week, officials urged the public to avoid speculation and report any relevant information directly to authorities.