'Mum is still out there' - Savannah Guthrie issues new plea as ransom deadline passes

February 10, 2026

Savannah Guthrie, a prominent US news presenter, has made a public plea for help in locating her 84-year-old mother Nancy, who vanished from her Tucson, Arizona home during the night of January 31st. Authorities suspect Nancy was kidnapped against her will after she failed to appear at church services the following day. Despite the family's willingness to pay for her safe return and two alleged ransom deadlines passing (including one on Monday requiring Bitcoin payment), investigators have not identified any suspects or persons of interest.

Who is affected

Nancy Guthrie (84-year-old kidnapping victim)
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings (Nancy's children)
The Guthrie family collectively
Church congregation members who reported Nancy missing

What action is being taken

The FBI is deploying agents from around the country to Tucson
The FBI is operating a 24-hour command post with crisis management experts, analytic support, and investigative teams
The Pima County Sheriff's Office is conducting an active and ongoing investigation
The FBI is handling all aspects related to ransom notes and communications
Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for information

Why it matters

This case represents a serious criminal abduction of an elderly vulnerable person, with ransom demands made to a high-profile family. The lack of suspect identification despite significant FBI resources and two missed ransom deadlines suggests a complex investigation. The public nature of the appeals and the involvement of a well-known journalist has raised awareness about elder safety and kidnapping crimes.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC