Share and Follow
Authorities investigating the disappearance of the mother of American TV presenter Savannah Guthrie hold the belief that she is “still out there,” but have yet to identify any suspects, according to an Arizona sheriff.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed that DNA analysis confirmed the blood discovered on Nancy Guthrie’s porch belongs to her. Officials suspect she was forcibly taken from her Tucson residence over the weekend.
“As of now, we believe Nancy is still out there, and we want to bring her home,” Nanos stated during a Thursday press briefing, five days after her disappearance was reported.
Nonetheless, the sheriff admitted that there is currently no evidence to confirm she is alive.
Earlier, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings issued a plea to their mother’s abductor, expressing willingness to communicate but requesting proof that their mother is still alive. So far, there has been no public response to their appeal.
In the heart-wrenching video posted on social media, Savannah Guthrie acknowledged hearing media reports about a ransom letter sent to multiple news outlets.
Investigators are taking the ransom note seriously, said Heith Janke, the FBI chief in Phoenix, who noted it included a demand for money with a deadline along with details about a flood light at the home and an Apple watch.
“To anyone who may be involved, do the right thing. This is an 84-year-old grandma,” Janke said.
Authorities say that any decision on ransom demands ultimately is up to the family.
The search for Nancy Guthrie
Guthrie was last seen the previous Saturday night when she was dropped off at her Tucson home by family after having dinner with them, the sheriff’s department said.
She was reported missing about 14 hours later on Sunday after she didn’t show up at a church.
Guthrie has limited mobility, and officials don’t believe she left on her own. A sheriff’s official said during the search on Sunday that Guthrie has high blood pressure, a pacemaker and heart issues, according to audio from broadcastify.com.
The neighbourhood’s desert terrain can make looking for people difficult, said Jim Mason, longtime commander of a search-and-rescue team in Maricopa County that isn’t involved in the search. He said it can be hard to see into areas dense with mesquite trees, cholla cactus and desert brush.
“Some of it is so thick you can’t drive through it,” Mason said. His team was not involved in the search.
At least three media organisations have reported receiving purported ransom notes that they handed over to investigators.
A note emailed on Monday to the KOLD-TV newsroom in Tucson included information that only the abductor would know, anchor Mary Coleman told CNN. It also included a dollar amount and a deadline, she said.
“When we saw some of those details, it was clear after a couple of sentences that this might not be a hoax,” she said in an interview on Wednesday.
In her family’s video message, Savannah Guthrie said they were “ready to talk.”
“However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” she said. “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 reach out to us.”
The Guthrie siblings’ message to their mother
Savannah Guthrie was emotional during the recording, with her voice cracking. She addressed her mother directly, saying the family was praying for her and that people were looking for her.
“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter,” she said.
Savannah Guthrie described her mother as a “kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light” and said she was funny, spunky and clever.
“Talk to her and you’ll see,” she said.
Guthrie was flanked by her sister Annie and her brother Camron.
“Mamma, If you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you,” Annie Guthrie said.
Nation prays for Nancy Guthrie
US President Donald Trump posted on social media that he was directing federal authorities to help where they can, after the White House said he spoke with Savannah Guthrie on Wednesday.
A couple of hundred people prayed and placed lit candles on an altar during a vigil at a Tucson church.
Jeremy Thacker had tears in his eyes as he described the heartbreak and helplessness. He worked with Savannah Guthrie at an Arizona news station. They shared losing their fathers at a young age, and his own sister was kidnapped when he was young.
Thacker said he knew Nancy Guthrie to be sharp, grounded and earnest.
“We’re all holding our breath,” Thacker said.
NEVER MISS A STORY: Get your breaking news and exclusive stories first by following us across all platforms.