The Guthrie family released a new video plea asking whoever may have Nancy Guthrie to contact them and prove she is alive, days after the 84-year-old went missing from her Arizona home.
In the message posted Thursday, Camron Guthrie, brother of Today host Savannah Guthrie, said the family has received no direct communication and urged anyone holding their mother to give them a way to talk. He said the family needs reassurance that Nancy is alive so they can move forward.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said no suspect or person of interest has been identified and that investigators are operating on the belief Nancy is still out there and they want her home. The FBI has joined the investigation, is sending additional agents and experts to assist local authorities, and is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The agency is reviewing digital records from banks, social media, phone companies and other sources.
The family’s new video follows an earlier clip posted Wednesday in which Savannah, Camron and another sibling directly addressed reports of a ransom letter sent to media outlets. They told anyone claiming to have Nancy that they are ready to speak but must first know without doubt that she is alive, noting that images and recordings can be manipulated.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home north of Tucson on Saturday night after being dropped off following dinner with family. Her children reported her missing Sunday around noon when she did not arrive at church.
Sheriff Nanos released a timeline Thursday with several key details: at about 1:47 a.m. Sunday, the home’s doorbell camera disconnected and authorities do not have that device in their possession; at 2:12 a.m., software flagged a person on another camera but no video exists because that camera was not on a subscription plan; and at 2:28 a.m., a pacemaker app showed a disconnect from the phone. Investigators confirmed blood was found on Guthrie’s porch but would not say whether cameras were smashed, destroyed or whether there was forced entry. Officials say they are exploring all possibilities and have not concluded the disappearance was a kidnapping.
Law enforcement is examining reported ransom communications. One letter sent to local and national media demanded money and included a Bitcoin wallet address; it referenced an Apple Watch and a smashed floodlight, details that may have been public. FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said investigators are treating the communication seriously while following leads.
Separately, authorities arrested Derrick Callella over texts sent to family members that demanded Bitcoin in a scheme unconnected to the original ransom demand, according to a federal complaint. The complaint says Callella used an app to create a fake phone number, the account traced to an email linked to him, and he admitted sending the texts after being read his Miranda rights. He faces charges including transmitting a demand for ransom and intending to abuse, threaten or harass via a telecommunications device. Janke warned anyone trying to exploit the case for profit that they will be investigated and held accountable.
Investigators are still seeking surveillance footage from home security companies; Google confirmed Nest is assisting law enforcement. The sheriff said teams are awaiting footage from companies that own cameras at the residence.
Family members emphasized Nancy’s medical needs. She has limited mobility and other physical ailments but reportedly no cognitive impairment. The sheriff said she takes medication that could be life-threatening if missed for about 24 hours. In the earlier video, Savannah said the family will not rest until they are together again and urged anyone with information or involved to do the right thing for an elderly grandmother who needs vital medication.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.