Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie, is “still out there,” though no suspects have been identified, according to an Arizona sheriff’s office.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos added that DNA tests confirmed the blood found on Nancy Guthrie’s porch matched hers. Authorities say she was removed from her Tucson home over the weekend without her consent.
According to the AP, during a news conference five days after she was reported missing, Nano said, “Right now we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home.” However, the sheriff admitted that officials have no evidence that he remains alive.
The day before, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings shared an emotional plea for the person who allegedly kidnapped their 84-year-old mother, but no response has been released. In a video posted on social media Wednesday, Savannah said the family is willing to communicate but is seeking confirmation that their mother is still alive. She also referred to media reports suggesting the existence of a ransom note.
Reading from a prepared statement, Savannah Guthrie said: “We are ready to talk. But we live in a world where voices and images can be easily manipulated. 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 contact us.
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Finding Nancy Guthrie
Authorities said Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night when her family dropped her off at her Tucson home after dinner. She was reported missing about 14 hours later on Sunday after she failed to show up at church.
Guthrie has limited mobility and officials do not believe she left the home on her own. During Sunday’s search, a sheriff’s dispatcher noted that he had high blood pressure, a pacemaker and heart problems, according to audio from broadcastify.com.
Jim Mason, a veteran Maricopa County search and rescue commander who was not involved in the case, said the area’s desert terrain makes the search difficult. Dense mesquites, cholla cacti and desert scrub can impede visibility, he explained.
Mason mentioned, “Some of them are so thick you can’t drive through them.”
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Ransom’s notes
At least three media outlets reported that she received what appeared to be a ransom, which she handed over to investigators. The sheriff’s department said it was taking the notes and other tips seriously, but had no further comment.
Anchor Mary Coleman told CNN that the memo, emailed Monday to the Tucson newsroom of KOLD-TV, contained details that only the kidnapper would know. The note also included a dollar amount and a deadline, she said.
“When we saw some of these details, it became clear after a few sentences that it might not be a hoax,” Coleman added in an interview Wednesday.
(With agency input)
