• Family says “we will pay”: Nancy Guthrie’s children posted a new plea for their missing mother’s return on social media, with “Today” host Savannah Guthrie saying, “We will pay.”
• Ransom note details emerge: Guthrie’s purported abductor or abductors are demanding $6 million by 5 p.m. Monday, CNN affiliate KGUN reported. The note includes a threat to Guthrie’s life if the deadline isn’t met, it added, citing a letter sent to the station.
• No suspects: There have been no suspects named as the search for Guthrie is in its eighth day. Law enforcement officials returned to her home Sunday, and were also seen at the home of Guthrie’s daughter Annie late Saturday.
• Officials continue investigating second note: Authorities say they’re still looking into the authenticity of a second note sent to CNN affiliate KOLD on Friday. The note, which mentioned no deadline, included sensitive information, according to an anchor.
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FBI director’s planned visit to Tucson unrelated to Guthrie investigation
From CNN staff
FBI Director Kash Patel at a press conference at the Department of Justice in Washington DC, on Friday.
Annabelle Gordon/Sipa USA/AP
FBI director Kash Patel’s visit to Tucson, Arizona, is not related to the search for Nancy Guthrie, a bureau official reiterated Sunday, following reports of an upcoming trip.
“Director Patel is receiving personal updates from his team on this case. Travel to Tucson is unrelated to this investigation and had been previously discussed weeks prior, though plans may change. We don’t have any additional comment at this time,” said FBI Phoenix public affairs officer Brooke Brennan.
The bureau’s comment to CNN came after reports Patel is scheduled to travel to Tucson on Monday.
Last week,FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said in a press conference Patel was being briefed several times a day on the investigation and had planned to travel to Tucson for a pre-scheduled trip before Guthrie’s disappearance.
Purported ransom deadline approaches in Nancy Guthrie case. Here’s what we know
From CNN’s Amanda Musa
A sign is posted at the house of Nancy Guthrie, NBC host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, on February 3, in Catalina, Arizona.
Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images
A ransom deadline in the purported kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie is due in less than 24 hours, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The alleged ransom letter included two deadlines, federal officials say.
Here’s what we know:
The demand: Guthrie’s purported abductor or abductors are demanding $6 million by 5 p.m. Monday, CNN affiliate KGUN reported, citing a ransom note the station received. The note includes a threat to Guthrie’s life if the deadline isn’t met, according to KGUN.
Letters sent to media: At least three media outlets — TMZ and CNN Tucson affiliates KOLD and KGUN — received purported ransom notes this week demanding millions of dollars in bitcoin for Guthrie’s return. KOLD also received a second note last Friday which contained sensitive information and no deadline, according to an anchor at the station.
Timeline: The Monday deadline comes a few days after an initial deadline last Thursday evening, according to the FBI. A time zone was not specified in the letter, officials say.
Family’s response: “Today” host Savannah Guthrie said “we will pay” as she and her siblings pleaded for their mother’s return in a video posted on social media. Authorities have said the decision to pay any supposed ransom is up to the Guthrie family.
Investigators examined septic tank near Nancy Guthrie’s home Sunday, video shows
Investigators examining septic tank near Nancy Guthrie’s home Sunday
00:48 • KNXV
At least two investigators were seen examining the septic tank near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday, video from CNN affiliate KNXV shows, eight days after the 84-year-old mother disappeared.
The video shows the investigators moving around a long stick in the tank, at times repeatedly jabbing it and using a flashlight to peer inside. One investigator wore a sheriff’s vest and held a notebook.
When asked about Sunday’s probe, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department echoed earlier statements, saying, “Detectives and agents continue to conduct follow-up at multiple locations,” and details would not be released yet.
The investigators replaced the tank’s two green lids as they finished.
Timeline: What’s happened so far in the search for Nancy Guthrie
From CNN’s Danya Gainor
Nancy Guthrie’s house is seen in Tucson, Arizona, on Thursday.
Evan Garcia/Reuters
Nancy Guthrie was last seen by her family on January 31, when she joined relatives for dinner and game night near her home in the Tucson-area, Arizona.
The search for the 84-year-old mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie is now in its eighth day. Here’s a look back at the events that have unfolded over this past week:
Saturday, January 31
Guthrie takes an Uber to her daughter Annie’s home at around 5:32 p.m.
Family members take her back home, with Guthrie’s garage door opening at approximately 9:48 p.m. and closing at 9:50 p.m.
Sunday, February 1
At 1:47 a.m., a few hours after Guthrie is believed to have returned home, her doorbell camera is disconnected.
At 2:12 a.m., surveillance camera software detects movement.
Guthrie’s pacemaker app data shows it disconnected from her phone at 2:28 a.m.
Relatives check on Guthrie at 11:56 a.m. after finding out she was uncharacteristically absent from church. They discover that she wasn’t home.
Relatives call 911 at 12:03 p.m. to report her missing.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department patrols arrive at her home by 12:15 p.m.
Tuesday, February 3
Several media outlets, including TMZ and CNN affiliate KOLD-TV, receive purported ransom letters demanding millions of dollars in bitcoin for Guthrie’s return. One note includes a first deadline of 5:00 p.m. Thursday and a second deadline for next Monday.
Wednesday, February 4
The Guthrie siblings post a video on Instagram with Savannah Guthrie saying they “need to know without a doubt that she’s alive and that you have her.” She emphasizes that her mother is in “constant pain” and needs her medication to survive.
Thursday, February 5
The first deadline mentioned in the purported ransom note passes at 5:00 p.m.
Savannah Guthrie’s brother Camron issues another plea on social media at 5:00 p.m. local time, the first deadline given in the ransom note. “We need you to reach out and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward,” he says in the video.
Friday, February 6
KOLD receives a second note about Guthrie’s disappearance. Anchor Mary Coleman says the latest message included sensitive information and no deadline, unlike the first letter.
Investigators resume searches at Guthrie’s home and in the surrounding area. A car which appeared to be Guthrie’s is towed away.
Saturday, February 7
Guthrie’s children plead for their mother’s return in a video posted on social media. In the clip, Savannah Guthrie says: “We will pay.”
Law enforcement officials are seen at Annie Guthrie’s home. They leave shortly after 10:30 p.m. with a bag. One deputy sheriff is also seen wearing blue latex gloves.
Sunday, February 8
Investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie’s home just before 11 a.m. One investigator was seen holding a notepad while walking the property and heading to the backyard.
Security to remain on guard at Nancy Guthrie’s home, Pima County officials say
From CNN’s Amanda Musa
A Pima County Sheriff’s Office deputy speaks with private security at the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie.
Rebecca Noble/Reuters
At the request of Nancy Guthrie’s family, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department will continue to guard the 84-year-old’s home as the search for her enters its eighth day, a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department said in a statement Sunday.
“No trespassing is allowed on Nancy Guthrie’s property,” the statement said. “Violations will be subject to enforcement.”
At least two investigators from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department were seen on Guthrie’s property Sunday afternoon.
Investigators likely ramping up their efforts in search for Nancy Guthrie, former SWAT captain says
From CNN’s Lauren Mascarenhas
A drone view of Nancy Guthrie’s house in Tucson, Arizona, on Sunday.
Evan Garcia/Reuters
Investigators are likely ramping up their efforts in the search for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, as the deadline in a purported ransom note draws closer, former SWAT team captain Josh Schirard said Sunday.
“If this is real, they’re on the clock, and that clock is ticking short, so anything that they can do has to be done and has to be done now,” Schirard said, noting investigators have returned to the homes of Nancy Guthrie as well as her daughter, Annie Guthrie.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a video Saturday night saying they “will pay” for their mother’s release. Purported ransom notes have demanded millions in Bitcoin in exchange for her return.
“I think we still have no valid two-way communication with this possible hostage taker and the author of these ransom notes,” Schirard told CNN’s Fredricka Whitfield. “The family putting out these messages has been the only way that they’ve tried to communicate back in order to establish some form of authenticity, so that they can get a proof of life and know that Nancy is still okay.”
With one deadline from the ransom notes passed and another approaching on Monday, “both sides are probably getting a little desperate” to start communicating, he said.
“When we look historically, we generally don’t see deadlines that are this far out when we’re talking about dealing with hostage takers,” the former SWAT captain said.
Authorities have yet to authenticate the ransom notes.
“Now the video we saw last night from the family was very cryptic, but very directed to that ransom note author,” he said. “So there may be some things in that note that obviously law enforcement isn’t releasing that may be lending to its credibility and authenticity, and this was the response for that.”Investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie’s home Sunday
Investigators return to Nancy Guthrie’s home Sunday
01:30
Investigators returned to Nancy Guthrie’s home Sunday, eight days after she was last seen there, as authorities continue searching for the 84-year-old.
Two investigators with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department were seen on Guthrie’s property Sunday afternoon. The investigation continues with follow-up at multiple locations, the sheriff’s department said.
Investigators return to Nancy Guthrie’s home Sunday
00:30
One investigator was seen holding a notepad while walking the property and heading to the backyard, which investigators focused on during a larger search Friday.
The road to the property, which was closed Friday, is now open.
“No question” FBI helped Guthrie’s children with new statement, former deputy director says
From CNN’s Catherine Nicholls
Savannah Guthrie, accompanied by her siblings Annie and Camron, speaks in a video message released on Saturday.
Savannah Guthrie via Instagram/UGC/via REUTERS
Former FBI Deputy Director and CNN Senior Law Enforcement Analyst Andrew McCabe said there is “no question” in his mind that the agency helped the children of Nancy Guthrie craft their latest statement calling for their mother’s return.
“There is no question in my mind that every word of that statement was carefully honed with the assistance of the FBI experts who are advising the family,” McCabe told CNN’s Dana Bash today.
Those experts likely include hostage negotiators and other “very experienced agents” who “have dealt with many, many kidnapping and ransom situations,” he continued.
In the video released yesterday, Savannah Guthrie said that her family “will pay” for her mother’s release. Purported ransom notes had demanded millions in Bitcoin for her return.
The FBI “will provide their best advice and consultation” regarding how to respond to those notes, McCabe said today.
At the same time, the bureau will acknowledge “that the ultimate decision of what to do — whether or not to pay the ransom — that is exclusively the family’s prerogative and they’ll support them any way they can,” he said.Report: Ransom letter demands $6 million for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return
From CNN’s Chris Boyette
New details have emerged about the ransom demands for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return, with CNN affiliate KGUN reporting that the purported kidnapper or kidnappers have demanded $6 million and threatened Guthrie’s life if a 5 p.m. Monday deadline isn’t met, citing a ransom note sent to the station.
Purported ransom notes sent to KGUN and other media outlets demanded millions in Bitcoin in exchange for her return, CNN previously reported.
Nancy Guthrie’s children posted a new plea for their mother’s return on social media, with “Today” host Savannah Guthrie saying, “We will pay.”
Authorities have said the decision to pay any supposed ransom is up to the Guthrie family.
“We are in communication with the family and while we advise and recommend from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke told reporters last week.
Officials are investigating the authenticity of a second message sent to KOLD on Friday about Nancy Guthrie. The note included sensitive information and no deadline, according to an anchor at the outlet.
There are still no named suspects as the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its eighth day.Prayer rock and candles left outside Nancy Guthrie’s home overnight
From CNN’s Amber Sumpter in Tucson
Prayer rock and candles left outside Nancy Guthrie’s home overnight
00:10
Neighbors and community members continue to leave signs of encouragement outside Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, as the search for the “Today” show anchor’s mother enters its eighth day.
The “Dear Guthrie Family” sign has been in front of the home for some time, but the candles and ‘please pray’ rock were left by a woman overnight, according to CNN’s team on the ground in Tucson.
The search for Nancy Guthrie enters its 8th day. Here’s what we know
From CNN staff
Nancy Guthrie is seen in an undated photo.
NBC
As the search for Nancy Guthrie, missing from her home near Tucson, Arizona, has entered its eighthday, law enforcement officials were seen late Saturday at the home of her daughter Annie.
Hours earlier, Guthrie’s children posted a video pleading for her return.
The FBI continues to offer a $50,000 reward for information leading to her recovery, as the agency investigates two separate ransom notes sent to media outlets this week.
Here are the latest developments:
Law enforcement activity: At least three deputy sheriffs were seen at Annie Guthrie’s house Saturday night. While lights in the house appeared dim and shades were drawn, bright flashes –– possibly from authorities taking photographs –– were observed through the windows.
No suspects identified: The sheriff’s department said Saturday they have not identified any suspects, people of interest or vehicles connected to the case. Officials are seeking any video available from nearby businesses or residences.
New plea: Savannah Guthrie posted a video to her Instagram account Saturday, sitting alongside her sister Annie and brother Camron. “We received your message, and we understand,” the “Today” show host said. “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. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
Purported ransom notes: Two separate ransom notes were sent to media outlets this week. The first, sent to outlets including TMZ and CNN affiliate KOLD-TV, demanded millions of dollars in bitcoin for Guthrie’s return. The second message, sent to KOLD, included sensitive information, no deadline, and did not appear to ask for a ransom, according to anchor Mary Coleman.
Billboards to aid in search: Digital billboards featuring Guthrie and an FBI phone number are slated to appearin nearby states to aid in the search for her — utilizing a program that has been successful in previous cases.
