Desperation Mounts as Ransom Deadline Looms in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case: Savannah Guthrie’s Emotional Plea
By Perplexity News Staff
Tucson, Arizona – The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, entered its ninth day on Monday with a heightened sense of urgency as a reported bitcoin ransom deadline approached.
Savannah Guthrie, visibly emotional in a new Instagram video, made a direct and desperate appeal to the public: “We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help.” She emphasized her belief that her mother is still alive, urging anyone—even those far from Tucson—to report anything suspicious to law enforcement.[1][3]
Timeline of the Abduction
Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home near Tucson in the early hours of February 1, 2026, authorities with the Pima County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. The incident unfolded sometime after a family dinner and game night at the home of her daughter, Annie Guthrie, on the evening of January 31.
Key evidence from the scene includes Nancy’s doorbell camera, which disconnected at 1:47 a.m. A motion detection at 2:12 a.m. was followed by her pacemaker app disconnecting from her phone at 2:28 a.m.—the phone was left behind at the residence. Investigators also found blood drops on the front porch matching Nancy’s DNA and a propped-open door, indicating she was taken against her will in the middle of the night.[1][2]
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated, “It does look like to us, she was taken from that house against her will in the middle of the night.”[2]
Ransom Demands and Family Response
The family has received communications demanding $6 million in bitcoin, with a deadline initially set for 5 p.m. (later reported as 7 p.m.) on Monday, February 9. Over the weekend, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released videos indicating their willingness to pay, pleading for their mother’s return.
“We received your message and we understand,” Savannah said in a Saturday Instagram video. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”[1][2]
However, as the deadline passed, questions lingered about the authenticity of the ransom notes. Retired FBI special agent and former hostage negotiator Rich Frankel noted a lack of proof of life in the communications: “There hasn’t been a lot of evidence. You may have an abductor communicating, but we’re not even sure of that yet.” Investigators continue to pursue all leads, returning repeatedly to Annie Guthrie’s home where the family gathering occurred.[1][2]
Investigation Intensifies with Federal Support
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office is leading the probe, with assistance from the FBI, which has established a 24-hour command post to handle tips. The White House confirmed that President Trump is closely following the case and receiving frequent updates.[3]
Recent activity at Nancy’s home included towing a vehicle on Friday night, as reported by local NBC affiliates, though the houses in the area were empty at the time.[4]
Savannah Guthrie’s latest plea shifted in tone, described by observers as more forthright, with the family publicly acknowledging details that might typically be withheld. “We believe our mom is still out there,” she said, sighing deeply in the video. “Law enforcement is working tirelessly, around the clock, trying to bring her home.”[3][4]
Public Urged to Assist
The family has now released multiple videos since the disappearance, each more urgent. Savannah specifically called not just for prayers but for actionable tips: “If you see anything, if you hear anything, if there’s anything at all that seems strange to you that you report to law enforcement.”[3]
Experts suggest the public nature of the appeals could be strategic, pressuring potential kidnappers while mobilizing community support. As of Tuesday, February 10, no breakthroughs have been publicly announced, and the family remains in a holding pattern, awaiting proof of life or further contact.[2]
Broader Context and Challenges
Kidnappings for ransom are rare in the U.S., particularly involving elderly victims, making this case particularly puzzling. The involvement of cryptocurrency adds complexity, as bitcoin transactions can be traced but require specialized forensic analysis.
Investigators face hurdles including the absence of confirmed proof of life and uncertainty over whether the ransom demands originate from the actual perpetrators. “Savannah Guthrie and siblings appear to still be waiting for proof of life,” noted ABC News sources.[2]
The Tucson community and national audience have rallied around the Guthrie family, with Savannah’s high profile amplifying the story. Her co-hosts on “Today” have expressed support on air, and social media is flooded with messages of hope.
Next Steps
Authorities continue canvassing the area and analyzing digital footprints from the ransom communications. The FBI’s involvement signals a multi-agency effort, with tips pouring into the command post.
For those with information, contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Office or the FBI tip line. The family holds onto hope, with Savannah’s words echoing: “She was taken and we don’t know where. And we need your help.”[3]
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as new information emerges.