Nancy Guthrie Search Latest Update: A US TV presenter whose family has been in the spotlight for a week after her elderly mother was allegedly kidnapped said on Monday that she and her siblings had reached an “hour of despair”.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of NBC News Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was believed to have been taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona, late on January 31 or in the early hours of February 1, sparking a massive search that drew national attention, AFP reports.
On Monday, Savannah Guthrie released a new video appeal asking the public to help find her mother, who has an ongoing heart condition and relies on regular medication.
In an emotional message on Instagram, Guthrie said: “As we enter another week of this nightmare… thank you so much for all the prayers and love that my sister, brother and I felt and our mom felt.”
She added that investigators were continuing their efforts, saying: “The law enforcement agencies are working tirelessly 24 hours a day trying to bring her home, trying to find out where she was taken and we don’t know where.”
Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance
Saturday, January 31 – Last confirmed family reunion sighting
At about 5 p.m., Guthrie took an Uber to her daughter Annie’s house for a family dinner and game night. She was later driven back home by her son-in-law Tommaso Cioni at 21:48.
Sunday, February 1 — Suspicious activity detected, authorities notified
At 1:47 a.m. Guthrie’s doorbell camera disconnected. Shortly thereafter, at 2:12 a.m., the system registered movement in the house, although no video footage was captured. About 16 minutes later, her pacemaker stopped sending data to the app on her phone.
Monday 2nd February – The family made their first public appeal
During a press conference, authorities said they believe Guthrie was abducted from her home overnight and taken against her will. Savannah Guthrie later released a statement, reported by NBC’s Today show, saying, “On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus is on the safe return of our dear Nancy.”
At 1:47 a.m. Guthrie’s doorbell camera disconnected. Shortly thereafter, at 2:12 a.m., the system registered movement in the home, although no video was captured. About 16 minutes later, her pacemaker stopped sending data to the app on her phone.
Tuesday 3rd February – The public appeal continues as ransoms emerge
Savannah Guthrie renewed her plea for prayers Tuesday as efforts to find her mother continued, while authorities urged the public to continue to come forward with information.
Wednesday, February 4 – The family released a second video statement
Four days after Nancy Guthrie disappeared, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings Camron and Annie Guthrie released a video statement in response to the ransom.
Thursday, February 5 – Authorities confirmed the forensic findings after the deadline
Local officials shared a detailed timeline of the case and confirmed that forensic tests showed the blood found at the entrance of Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home was hers.
Friday, February 6 – FBI expands search for second ransom note
The FBI placed digital billboards throughout the Southwest, including California, Arizona and New Mexico, and reopened the investigation by re-examining Guthrie’s home for new leads.
Saturday, February 7 – The Guthrie siblings pledge to meet the requirements
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, Annie and Camron, released another video message asking for a ransom. “We got your message and we understand,” Savannah Guthrie said. “Now we ask you to return our mother to us so we can celebrate with her. Only then will we have peace.” She added: “This is very valuable to us and we will pay.”
Sunday, February 8 — Investigators visited Guthrie’s home again
Investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie’s home eight days after she was last seen as the search entered its next phase.
Meanwhile, authorities said they believe the missing woman is still alive and confirmed that the blood found on her doorstep was hers.
