Fresh Lead Emerges in High-Profile Kidnapping Case of NBC Host's Mother
Law enforcement officials have confirmed they are actively investigating a new message connected to the disturbing disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of prominent NBC Today show host Savannah Guthrie. The elderly woman was last seen on January 31 after family members dropped her off at her residence near Tucson, Arizona, following a dinner gathering.
Family Reports Missing Amid Concerning Circumstances
Relatives reported Nancy Guthrie missing around noon the following day, according to official statements from authorities. Given her extremely limited mobility, investigators quickly determined she could not have left her home without assistance, leading them to conclude early in the investigation that she was likely the victim of a kidnapping.
New Message Under Scrutiny by Federal and Local Authorities
The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department announced on Friday local time that they were aware of this new communication but declined to disclose its specific contents. "Investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity," officials stated in their official communication.
Reports indicate the message arrived as an email sent to the tips inbox of CNN affiliate station KOLD at approximately 11:45 AM local time. Federal agents are now working diligently to determine whether this latest communication originated from the same sender as the initial ransom note that referenced Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
Previous Ransom Demands and Family's Emotional Appeal
The first message, described as a purported ransom letter, was distributed to several media outlets and included a specific deadline of 5:00 PM on Thursday. No further updates were provided after that deadline passed without resolution.
In a heartfelt video posted to Savannah Guthrie's Instagram account on Thursday evening, Nancy's son Camron Guthrie made an emotional public appeal. "Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven't heard anything directly," he pleaded. "We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward. But first we have to know that you have our mom."
Complex Investigation with Multiple Leads
The family has reportedly received multiple ransom notes throughout this ordeal, with authorities having already arrested one individual in connection with a hoax communication. Derrick Callella, accused of sending a fake ransom note to news networks, is scheduled to appear in court on Friday local time to face charges related to this deception.
Meanwhile, the FBI has announced a substantial $US50,000 reward (approximately $A72,000) for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's safe return or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. While no suspects have been formally identified at this stage, investigators have received reports from a neighbor about a suspicious-looking white van parked near Nancy's residence in the days preceding her abduction.
The investigation continues as federal and local authorities pursue all available leads in this troubling case that has captured national attention.
