FBI Joins Search for Missing Mother of ‘Today’ Show Host savannah Guthrie,Offers $50,000 Reward
Table of Contents
The FBI is now assisting local authorities in the search for Nancy Guthrie,84,the mother of “today” show host Savannah Guthrie,who has been missing since Saturday night. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to her recovery and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
The Guthrie family issued another plea Thursday, urging anyone holding Nancy Guthrie to make contact. “Whoever is out there holding our mother,we want to hear from you,” Camron Guthrie,Savannah’s brother,said in a video message released by the family. “We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.” The family emphasized their urgent need to confirm their mother is alive.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated during a press briefing Thursday that authorities believe nancy Guthrie is still alive and are operating under that assumption. “Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there,” Nanos said. “We want her home.”
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night at her home in the Catalina Foothills area, north of Tucson, after having dinner with family. She was reported missing on Sunday after failing to attend church, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
New Timeline Details Emerge
“That’s why we’re taking it serious no matter what, and following the leads on that,” Janke stated. The family’s decision on whether to engage with ransom demands will be their own.
In a related growth, authorities have arrested Derrick Callella, accused of making a fraudulent ransom demand. Callella allegedly texted both the daughter and son-in-law of Nancy Guthrie on Wednesday, inquiring about a Bitcoin transaction. The texts followed the receipt of a ransom demand by a Tucson media outlet listing a Bitcoin wallet address.Callella reportedly used a spoofed phone number and the account was traced back to his email address. He allegedly admitted to sending the messages, stating he was attempting to gauge a response from the family. Callella is not believed to be connected to the original Bitcoin ransom demand and has been charged with transmitting a demand for ransom and intending to abuse,threaten,or harass using a telecommunication device.
Janke issued a warning following the arrest: “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.”
Ongoing Investigation and Plea for Information
The FBI is now jointly investigating the case with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, deploying additional agents and experts to the area. Authorities are actively analyzing digital data from various sources, including banks, social media, and phone companies, to gather leads.
Despite the possibility of a kidnapping, Sheriff Nanos emphasized that investigators are exploring all angles, stating, “We cover all angles.We’re not going to dismiss something.” He also noted that it is indeed unclear whether Nancy Guthrie was specifically targeted.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings made an emotional appeal in a video message posted Wednesday. “Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere,” Savannah Guthrie said. “We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.”
Nancy Guthrie is described as having some physical ailments and limited mobility, but is not experiencing cognitive issues. Authorities noted that she requires medication, and a delay in receiving it might very well be fatal.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Janke urged those involved to “do the right thing.” “This is an 84-year-old grandma that needs vital medication for her well-being,” he said. “You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you. Please return Nancy home.”
Anyone with information regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is urged to contact 911 or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
Related reading
