“Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, Camron and Annie Guthrie, released an emotional Instagram video pleading for the return of their mother, Nancy Guthrie, who authorities believe was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona, home over the weekend.
Saying they were aware of reports of a ransom note, Savannah Guthrie said the family is “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,” she said. “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”
The siblings described their mother as kind, faithful and fiercely loving. “Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light,” Savannah said. “She is funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and you’ll see.”
Annie added, “She is our beacon. She holds fast to joy in all of life’s circumstances. She chooses joy day after day… We are always going to be merely human, just normal human people who need our mom.” Savannah noted Nancy is 84, in fragile health, living in constant pain and without the medications she needs to survive and avoid suffering.
Addressing their mother directly in the video, Savannah said, “Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy. We believe and know that even in this valley, He is with you. Everyone is looking for you, mommy, everywhere. We will not rest, your children will not rest, until we are together again.” Annie said, “Mama, mama — if you’re listening, we need you to come home, we miss you.” Camron added, “We love you, mom. Stay strong.”
Nancy Guthrie’s family reported her missing Sunday after she did not attend church and was not found at home. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News Nancy had dinner at Annie’s home Saturday and was driven home afterward by Annie’s husband, Tommaso Cioni.
Nanos said a ransom note was sent to a local Arizona news station after the disappearance, though he would not confirm its authenticity. He said the station received the note Monday and agreed not to report on it; the note reportedly contained specific details about Nancy’s home and what she was wearing the night she went missing. KOLD-TV reported it had received an email that appears to be one of the alleged ransom notes and forwarded it to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators have not identified any suspects or persons of interest. Nanos said it was unclear how many people were involved. A small amount of blood found inside the home was being tested, and what appeared to be dried blood was seen next to a doormat outside the front door.
“Nothing has come up that says, here he is, here’s your bad guy,” Nanos said. “We’re working towards, where is Nancy? Where is Ms. Guthrie? We want to find her.”
CBS News reported the FBI is sending additional personnel to assist the investigation. Former President Donald Trump posted that he had spoken with Savannah Guthrie and was “directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY,” saying, “We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!”
Alex Sundby, Anna Schecter and Jonathan Vigliotti contributed to this report.
