Savannah Guthrie and her siblings ask to take their mother home
Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, seated between her siblings, made an emotional plea on social media to bring her mother home.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings are dealing with media reports that they received an unverified ransom note as their mother remains missing for a fourth day.
“We too have heard reports in the media about the ransom letter,” Savannah Guthrie said in an emotional four-minute video, sitting between her sister Annie Guthrie and brother Camron Guthrie.
She went on to appear to address the possible kidnapper directly.
“As a family, we are doing the best we can. We are ready to speak. But we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We definitely need to know that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out,” Savannah Guthrie said.
The “Today” show co-host highlighted 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie’s medical needs, saying, “Her health, her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She doesn’t have medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it so she doesn’t suffer.”
Annie Guthrie added: “Mommy, if you’re listening, I want you to come home. I miss you.”
Watch a video statement from Savannah Guthrie’s family
What we know about possible ransom demands
On the afternoon of February 3, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued a statement on social media confirming that it was “aware of reports circulating regarding a possible ransom note” and that “we take all information and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in is reported directly to detectives working with the FBI.”
CBS News reported that its Tucson affiliate KOLD News received the letter on February 2nd. Without specifying which news station received the communication or confirming its authenticity, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News that the letter “included specific details about the home and the clothing Nancy Guthrie was wearing that night.”
Nanos told CBS News that the FBI reviewed the memo and shared it with Savannah Guthrie. On February 3, TMZ reported that it had received a letter demanding payment for Nancy Guthrie’s release. The USA TODAY Network has not confirmed or substantiated the authenticity of either memo.
On February 4, authorities announced that no suspects or persons of interest had been identified.
Nancy Guthrie’s family reported her missing from her home in the Catalina Foothills, just north of Tucson, on Sunday, February 1, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. She was last seen the previous evening, Saturday, January 31, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Nanos said at a press conference on February 2.
On Monday, February 2, authorities confirmed that investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was “abducted from her home” and said the incident is being considered as a “possible kidnapping or abduction.” The FBI is assisting with the investigation.
