Savannah Guthrie issues desperate plea six months after mother's disappearance as police release ransom notes

Disappearance and investigation

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on the night of January 31 after being dropped off at her home in the desert suburbs of Tucson, Arizona. A friend raised the alarm the next day when she failed to attend Sunday mass. Her family found the house empty, but her wallet, mobile phone, hearing aids, and medication were left behind. Blood on the porch was later matched to her DNA. Doorbell camera footage showed a masked, gloved man tampering with the device shortly before the abduction. The FBI joined the investigation, but no arrests have been made. Two men detained and questioned in the days after the disappearance later filed a notice of claim against Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and a detective.

Ransom notes released

On Friday, the Pima County Sheriff's Department released two ransom notes that were sent to local TV station KOLD-TV in early February, hoping to generate new leads. The first, sent on February 2, demanded $4 million in bitcoin, with the amount rising to $6 million if not paid by February 9. It warned that Nancy would be killed if the deadline was missed and that no negotiation was possible.

We have your mother Nancy. She is safe, but scared. She is being held for ransom, and as soon as we have the money, she will be released unharmed. If we do not receive payment by the final deadline of Monday, February 9, she will be killed. Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. You cannot contact me, there is no negotiation.

The note also referenced a white smartwatch on the floor at the foot of her bed and a broken backyard light, details that investigators believe were meant to prove the kidnappers' access.

A second note, sent on February 6 and addressed to the entire Guthrie family, struck a different tone.

We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry.

After receiving that note in February, Savannah Guthrie responded on Instagram that she had "received and understood" the message and begged for her mother's return, saying it was "priceless" to them and they were willing to pay. Authorities have not independently confirmed Nancy Guthrie's death, and the search continues.

Family's emotional plea

On Saturday, the six-month anniversary of the disappearance, Savannah Guthrie posted a lengthy message on Instagram. She described the family's "agony and despair" and said their hearts were "in ruins." She named her siblings and their spouses, emphasizing that the family spends every moment thinking of Nancy.

We are begging for help. We are desperate. We need someone to come forward. Someone knows something. Someone suspects something. Someone recognizes the writing in the ransom demand notes. Someone has noticed something different, strange, troubling or just unusual - perhaps with someone they deeply love.

She urged anyone with information to contact authorities, noting that tips can be given anonymously and a reward is available. She also addressed those following the case for entertainment, saying they were "part of the harm perpetrated against her."

National attention and next steps

The case has drawn widespread attention, partly because of Savannah Guthrie's role as co-host of NBC's Today show. President Donald Trump commented on the case, saying, "I hope they find her. That family has gone through hell." The FBI continues to ask for tips at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The Guthrie family's plea ended with a direct appeal: "Please. Bring her home."