Authorities announced an arrest on Thursday in connection with an “imposter ransom demand” related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie.
Investigators released a detailed timeline of events and offered a $50,000 reward as the search for Nancy continues.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said during a news conference that the arrest stemmed from a separate fraudulent demand, with a criminal complaint expected to be presented to a judge later in the day. He added that law enforcement is aware of multiple ransom notes, including one sent to media outlets that included two deadlines — one at 5 p.m. Thursday and another for next Monday — but there has been “no proof of life” and no follow-up communication.
“We have been very consistent — we are not discussing that at all, whether it’s forced entry or not forced entry,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said, per CNN, addressing reports about the circumstances at Guthrie’s home.
He confirmed that the blood found on the porch belonged to Guthrie, based on DNA results, while other lab reports are still pending.
Investigators believe Guthrie was taken against her will from her Catalina Foothills home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue.
She was last seen after being dropped off by family members at 9:48 p.m. on January 31, following a family dinner, during which she had arrived via Uber. Authorities have questioned the Uber driver as part of the probe.
A timeline provided by the sheriff’s department showed the garage door closing at 9:50 p.m. that night. The video doorbell disconnected at 1:47 a.m. the next day, February 1. At 2:12 a.m., the camera detected motion but did not record video due to a lack of a subscription.
Guthrie’s pacemaker disconnected from her phone at 2:28 a.m.
Family members arrived to check on her at 11:56 a.m., and a 911 call was placed at 12:03 p.m. Patrol officers responded at 12:15 p.m.
Guthrie had been reported missing after failing to appear at church, and she is without her necessary medication. She is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. What she was wearing at the time remains unknown.
The FBI, now jointly handling the case with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, is offering a reward for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of those involved.
“The FBI has agents, analysts, and professional staff employees working day and night with our partners at the sheriff’s department,” Janke said. “We have deployed additional intelligence and agents from our Phoenix office.“
No suspects or persons of interest have been identified in the main investigation, Nanos said. A vehicle at the home was processed as evidence per standard protocol. He noted that leads are being pursued, including from digital sources like banks, social media, phone companies, and other organizations.
“It’s technology that’s going to really help us solve this case,” Nanos said.
Janke emphasized that any decision on engaging with a ransom demand rests with the family, who are eager to communicate but require verifiable proof that Guthrie is alive.
“If those that may have Nancy are watching this, the family is ready to talk, get proof of life, because there has been no contact after that ransom note went to the media,” he said.
On Wednesday, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional video on Instagram pleading for their mother’s return.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Savannah said, The Dallas Express reported at the time. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”
The update followed a Truth Social post from President Trump on Wednesday, in which he said he was “directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY.”
Nanos urged caution in sharing unconfirmed information.
“Social media’s kind of an ugly world sometimes,” he said. “Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home and to find a way to get to the bottom of all of this.”
The disappearance has drawn national attention, with reports of ransom notes sent to outlets like TMZ and KOLD 13 News in Tucson. One email to KOLD reportedly demanded a specific amount of money and included a deadline for Guthrie’s safe return. The station forwarded it to authorities, who are assessing its credibility.
“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) related to the investigation into Nancy Guthrie. All tips and leads are being taken seriously and are forwarded directly to our detectives, who are coordinating with the FBI. We encourage anyone with information or tips to submit them,” the sheriff’s office said, Fox 4 KDFW reported.
