Savannah Guthrie Appeals for Proof of Life as Federal Agencies Join Search
Updated (4 articles)
Nancy Guthrie Vanished Saturday Night, Prompting Immediate Missing‑Person Investigation Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen leaving her Catalina Foothills home around 9:30 p.m. Saturday and was reported missing the following morning when she failed to appear at church [1][2][4]. She suffers from high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and limited mobility, and investigators noted signs of forced entry at the residence [1][4]. No suspect or person of interest has been identified despite reviewing nearby camera footage [1][3].
Savannah Guthrie and Siblings Release Emotional Video Demanding Proof of Life The “Today” host posted a four‑minute Instagram video on Wednesday night urging the public to help locate their mother and stating the family will talk to any captor only after receiving undeniable proof she is alive [1][2][3]. Savannah warned that “voices and images are easily manipulated,” and her siblings Annie and Cameron appeared beside her in the plea [2][3]. The video has been shared widely on social media, amplifying national attention [1].
Alleged Ransom Notes Claim Cryptocurrency Payment, Authenticity Remains Unverified Multiple outlets reported receiving notes demanding digital‑currency payment, with TMZ, KOLD‑TV, and an anonymous email cited as sources [2][3]. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed receipt of the notes but declined to comment on their legitimacy [1][4]. FBI assistant special agent Jon Edwards said every lead, including the notes, is being examined [2].
Federal and Local Law‑Enforcement Mobilize, Including Presidential Commitment The FBI has joined Pima County investigators, and homicide detectives were assigned, marking a shift from standard missing‑person protocols [4]. President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he is directing “all Federal Law Enforcement” to assist the search, a pledge echoed by the sheriff’s office [1][2][4]. K‑9 units, deputies, and rescue teams continue nightly sweeps, and a press briefing is scheduled for Thursday afternoon [3][4].
Forensic Findings, Community Vigils, and Rewards Intensify Search Efforts Investigators collected blood, DNA, and pacemaker telemetry data from the home, though analysis has yet to identify a suspect [2][4]. Community vigils were held at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church and a Tucson church, drawing hundreds of attendees [1][2]. Rewards range from $2,500 offered by the sheriff’s office to a $25,000 pledge from a New York church, encouraging tip submissions via 88‑CRIME and P3TIPS apps [1][2].
Sources
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1.
AP: Savannah Guthrie Appeals to Mother’s Kidnapper, Federal Resources Mobilized: Details the family’s video plea, ransom‑note reports, Trump’s federal support, and community vigils with a $25,000 reward .
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2.
Newsweek: Savannah Guthrie Releases Video as Search for Missing Mother Intensifies: Highlights the Instagram video, forensic evidence, FBI involvement, and a $2,500 reward, emphasizing cryptocurrency ransom claims .
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3.
WBNS: Savannah Guthrie and siblings plead for safe return of missing mother: Focuses on the Instagram plea, demand for proof of life, and describes personal items left behind as evidence of a nighttime abduction .
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4.
BBC: Investigation Continues into Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother After Alleged Ransom Note: Provides a broader view of the ransom‑note investigation, federal assistance, and Guthrie’s withdrawal from broadcasting .
Timeline
Sat Feb 1 2026 – Nancy Guthrie, 84, vanishes from her Catalina Foothills home near Tucson around 9:30‑9:45 p.m.; relatives drop her off after dinner and she fails to appear at Sunday church, prompting a missing‑person report [1][2][3][4].
Sun Feb 2 2026 – Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirms receipt of a ransom‑note claim, begins a homicide‑level investigation, and collects blood, fingerprints and DNA while enlisting Customs and Border Protection tracking dogs [1].
Feb 2 2026 – President Donald Trump, at a White House event, calls the case “terrible” and “very unusual,” says he will call Savannah Guthrie and pledges to deploy additional federal agents [1].
Feb 2 2026 – Sheriff Chris Nanos urges the public to call the 88‑CRIME tip line, stating “every tip will be followed up,” and notes that FBI analysts have reviewed the ransom note [1].
Feb 3 2026 – Savannah Guthrie steps back from on‑air duties, cancels her appearance at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, and posts a prayerful message for her mother; NBC issues a statement of support [1].
Feb 4 2026 – Savannah, Annie and Cameron Guthrie post a tearful Instagram video pleading for a response to the alleged ransom note, saying “we are ready to talk” but demanding proof of life [2].
Feb 4 2026 – FBI Assistant Special Agent Jon Edwards tells reporters that “every lead is important” as the bureau assists Pima County investigators [2].
Feb 4 2026 – A candlelight vigil draws hundreds to St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson, reflecting community concern and solidarity [2].
Feb 4 2026 – The sheriff’s office announces a follow‑up briefing for Thursday at 1 p.m. ET, indicating ongoing investigative updates [2].
Feb 5 2026 – Savannah posts a second Instagram video warning that “voices and images are easily manipulated” and stating the family will only engage with kidnappers after receiving undeniable proof of Nancy’s life [4].
Feb 5 2026 – Victory Church in Albany, N.Y., offers a $25,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s location, while the Pima County sheriff’s office posts a $2,500 reward, both aimed at spurring tips [3][2].
Feb 5 2026 – President Trump again posts on Truth Social, directing “ALL Federal Law Enforcement” to support the search, reinforcing his earlier commitment [3].
Feb 5 2026 – Search teams, including K‑9 units and deputies, continue nightly sweeps of the Guthrie property, and officials schedule a Thursday afternoon press conference to brief media [4].
Feb 6 2026 (planned) – A Thursday afternoon press conference is set to provide the next public update on the investigation [4].
External resources (4 links)
- https://www.instagram.com/reels/DUW3mpqD8qd/ (cited 1 times)
- https://x.com/PimaSheriff/status/2019065207457489020 (cited 1 times)
- https://www.88crime.org/ (cited 1 times)
- https://www.broadcastify.com/ (cited 1 times)