Savannah Guthrie demands anyone holding her mother provide proof of life in heartbreaking new family video
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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators believe 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie is “still out there” as the search stretches on for a fifth day.
Investigators have said Nancy, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted from her Arizona home between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Investigators have since discovered Nancy’s blood on the porch of her home, Nanos told reporters at a press conference Thursday.
“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there,” he said.
Authorities are also investigating a ransom letter that was sent to media outlets. The note listed an initial deadline of 5 p.m. today, along with a second deadline afterward, FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said Thursday.
In a video posted Wednesday evening, Savannah and her siblings — sister Annie Guthrie and brother Camron Guthrie — acknowledged “reports about a ransom letter” and said they’re “ready to talk.” They also asked for proof that their mother is still alive.
Janke said Thursday there has been “no contact” since the ransom letter was sent out. He also noted one arrest has been made in connection with an “imposter ransom demand.”
“The family wants to be contacted. They know time is of the essence. And if those that may have Nancy are watching this, the family is ready to talk, get proof of life, because there has been no contact after that ransom note went to the media,” he said.
Nancy Guthrie disappearance: Key pointsWhat we know about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearanceToday show star Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy Guthrie, was last seen at her Arizona home Saturday night.The 84-year-old is “limited in mobility” but of “great sound mind,” according to local authorities. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Monday that he believes Nancy was abducted.Savannah has been absent from her show and will not be joining NBC Sports for its coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony as her family grapples with Nancy’s disappearance.Police have received “hundreds of leads” related to Nancy’s case, Nanos said Tuesday.A ransom note was sent to multiple news outlets offering Nancy’s release in exchange for millions in Bitcoin.Local authorities have confirmed it is investigating the notes, but have not confirmed their authenticity Savannah and her siblings said they’re “ready to talk” and asked for proof their mother is still alive in an emotional video shared Wednesday. President Donald Trump said Wednesday night he spoke with Savannah and is “deploying all resources to get her mother home safely.”A vigil was held in Tucson, with hundreds of locals praying for Nancy’s return.Read more
Katie Hawkinson3 February 2026 23:10
Ransom note gave deadline of 5 p.m. today, FBI agent says
Heith Janke, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix office, said his team is investigating a ransom note that listed a deadline of 5 p.m. today.
The note listed a second deadline for next Monday, he said.
“The ransom note that was distributed to the media did make a demand for 5 p.m. today, and if a transfer wasn’t made, then I think a second demand was for next Monday,” Janke explained.
Katie Hawkinson5 February 2026 19:03
FBI agent issues plea to Nancy Guthrie’s potential abductor
FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke spoke directly to Nancy Guthrie’s potential kidnapper at a press conference Thursday.
“The family wants to be contacted. They know time is of the essence. And if those that may have Nancy are watching this, the family is ready to talk, get proof of life, because there has been no contact after that ransom note went to the media,” he said.
Katie Hawkinson5 February 2026 18:52
‘Everybody’s still a suspect in our eyes,’ sheriff says
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said “everybody’s still a suspect” in investigators’ eyes.
“That’s just how we look at things and think as cops. Does that mean we have a prime suspect? No, and the family has been very cooperative, they’ve done everything we’ve asked of them, and we want that relationship to continue,” he told reporters Thursday.
Katie Hawkinson5 February 2026 18:49
Authorities have yet to rule anyone Nancy Guthrie was with the night she vanished
When asked if investigators have ruled out anyone Nancy Guthrie was with the night she vanished, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he “wouldn’t say anybody’s ruled out yet.”
Nanos explained that investigators also haven’t identified any suspects.
“Nobody’s eliminated, but we just really don’t have enough to say this is our suspect … We just don’t know that. And it’s really kind of reckless to report that someone is a suspect when they could very well be a victim,” he said.
Katie Hawkinson5 February 2026 18:47
Sheriff responds to question about ‘proof of life’
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos was asked if authorities have received any proof that Nancy Guthrie is still alive.
“Anything to deal with the ransom notes, I would defer to the FBI, but no, to my knowledge, we’re still looking for Nancy,” he replied.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a video Wednesday evening asking their mother’s potential kidnapper for proof she’s still alive.
Katie Hawkinson5 February 2026 18:44
FBI acknowledges reports of ransom notes
Heith Janke, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix office, told reporters his office is aware of reports of ransom notes.
“As with every lead, we are taking it seriously. We are in communication with the family, and while we advise and recommend, from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family,” he said.
Authorities have also made an arrest related to an imposter ransom demand.
“My next message is to those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation, we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” he said.
Katie Hawkinson5 February 2026 18:40
Sheriff provides updated timeline
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided reporters with an updated timeline on Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
Nancy arrived at a family member’s home for dinner shortly after 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Investigators believe she returned home around 9:45 p.m. that evening.
Then, Nancy’s doorbell camera disconnected early Sunday.
“Sunday morning, early morning at 1:47 a.m., the doorbell camera disconnects,” Nanos said. “At 2:12 a.m., software detects a person on a camera, but there’s no video available.”
At 2:28 a.m., “Nancy’s pacemaker app shows that it was a disconnect from the phone,” Nanos added.
Katie Hawkinson5 February 2026 18:35
Nancy Guthrie’s blood found on porch: sheriff
Nancy Guthrie’s blood was found on the porch of her home, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters Thursday.
“I think you all know the blood on the porch. … It came back to Nancy, that’s what we know. But there’s still more items that have been submitted,” he said.
Katie Hawkinson5 February 2026 18:29
‘We believe Nancy is still out there,’ sheriff says
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators believe Nancy Guthrie is still alive.
“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there,” he told reporters Thursday.
Katie Hawkinson5 February 2026 18:21