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Updated 08 February 2026 - FBI continues to investigate ransom demands as family offers reward for safe return.
Family issues desperate plea
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a video Saturday night appealing for their mother's safe return, nearly a week after Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home. The broadcast journalist, flanked by her brother and sister, acknowledged receiving a message from the suspected abductors but did not disclose its contents.
"We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace."
Savannah Guthrie, in Instagram video
Guthrie added that the family was prepared to pay but did not specify an amount. The video marks the third public appeal since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
Disappearance details emerge
Nancy Guthrie, 78, was last seen at her Tucson residence late last Saturday. Authorities believe she was taken against her will after her doorbell camera was disabled and removed. At 2:28 a.m. Sunday, the app linked to her pacemaker-a critical medical device-was disconnected from her phone.
Her absence was first noticed when she failed to attend Sunday church services, prompting fellow congregants to alert police. Investigators have not identified any suspects or persons of interest.
Ransom demands and investigations
The FBI confirmed it is examining a potential ransom note sent to multiple media outlets. According to NBC News, the note included undisclosed facts, a deadline, and a monetary demand. A local CBS affiliate reported receiving a similar message but did not reveal specifics.
TMZ, which also obtained a copy, claimed the kidnappers demanded millions in cryptocurrency. The FBI arrested one individual on Thursday for submitting a fraudulent ransom note but stressed the case remains active.
FBI Special Agent Heith Janke stated Friday that authorities were "inspecting the information provided in the message for its accuracy."
Health concerns and public response
Family members warned that Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication to manage her condition. "She is without any medicine," Savannah Guthrie said in an earlier video. "She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer."
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters Thursday that investigators are operating under the assumption she is still alive. "Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home. Everybody's still a suspect in our eyes."
President Donald Trump said last week he had spoken with Savannah Guthrie and pledged federal support. "I think we're doing very well, meaning we have some clues, I think that are very strong and I think we could have some answers coming up fairly soon," he told reporters.
Reward and ongoing efforts
Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's safe return. The family has repeatedly urged the kidnappers to establish direct contact and provide proof of life.
"We have to know that you have our mum. We want to talk to you."
Camron Guthrie, in video message
Law enforcement continues to treat the case as an active kidnapping investigation.
