FBI announce $50,000 dollar reward to help find kidnapped Nancy Guthrie
Phoebe Tonks
Featured Image Credit: Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
The FBI has announced it will be offering a $50,000 reward in the search for Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie.
The mom of TODAY co-anchor Savannah Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday (February 1) after she didn’t attend church as usual.
The 84-year-old was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills, Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday evening (January 31).
The Pima County Sheriff's Office said she had disappeared in 'concerning circumstances' and later confirmed they believed she had been abducted.
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It's also said that there were signs of forced entry into Nancy's home, KOLD-TV reports. Adding to the speculation that Nancy was possibly abducted are reports of there being ransom notes.
So far, multiple notes are said to have been circulated; however, one was allegedly proven to be a hoax, and the suspected culprit behind it has been taken into custody.
"We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie. We are taking all tips and leads very seriously," the sheriff's department said in a statement. "Anything that comes in goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI."
While Nancy was described as having no 'cognitive issues', Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said that she is 'not in good physical health', with the FBI stating that she has 'difficulty walking' and 'needs daily medication for a heart condition'.
With time now crucial to bringing her home safely, FBI Special Agent Heith Janke confirmed at a press conference on Thursday (February 5) that they have listed a six-figure sum for information leading to ‘the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance’.
Speaking to the press, the special agent also added: "We are actively reviewing and analyzing information from all digital sources, which includes banks, social media companies and phone companies."
Nancy’s family, which includes Savannah and siblings Annie and Camron, have been left distraught by their mom’s disappearance and even took to Instagram to share their own personal plea to her kidnappers to return her home safely.
"As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk,” she said in a video. “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.
"We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”
Highlighting her mom’s health needs, Savannah continued: "She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.”
She also directly spoke to her mom, as she tearfully admitted: "Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman," Savannah added. "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. We speak to you every moment, and we pray without ceasing, and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you.”