‘We need to know she is alive’: Savannah Guthrie demands proof of mom’s safety before negotiations
TUCSON, ARIZONA: 'Today show' host Savannah Guthrie shared a video on Wednesday, February 4, pleading for the safe return of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, who was taken from her Arizona home.
Sitting with her siblings, Savannah said the family is ready to speak with whoever has her, but they first need “proof without a doubt” that she is still alive.
Family seeks proof amid mother’s disappearance
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, Annie and Camron, posted a video on Instagram addressing the people who may be holding their mother.
They acknowledged reports of a ransom letter but explained that they need to be certain any messages are genuine. “We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Savannah said.
“As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”
The family made it clear they are waiting for a sign, saying, “We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us."
Family fears for elderly mother’s health
The family is extremely worried because Nancy is elderly and has serious health problems. Savannah explained that her mother has a weak heart and lives with constant pain, making her daily medication life-saving.
“She needs it not to suffer,” Savannah said. “She needs it to survive.” At the end of the video, Savannah spoke directly to her mother to help keep her spirits up.
FBI joins search as kidnapping probe deepens
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are working to locate Nancy Guthrie, who was last seen being dropped off at her Tucson home. Police have been seen carrying evidence bags out of the house and using search dogs to look for clues.
Amid rumors of family involvement, the sheriff’s office stated that “at this point, investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case.” Investigators are currently examining DNA samples and reviewing ransom notes sent to media outlets to determine whether they are authentic.
Nancy disappeared Sunday night after a family dinner, and police believe she was kidnapped. Investigators found signs of a break-in and blood at the home and are now reviewing ransom notes that demand a large amount of bitcoin.
