Nearly a week after she was reported missing, the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, continues to evolve.
Guthrie was reported missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1 when she failed to show up at a church service. The authorities are treating her disappearance as a criminal investigation and have stated that Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will.
Here are some latest developments in the missing case:
Reward announced: At a press conference hosted by the PCSD on Thursday, February 5, FBI Agent Heith Janke announced that a $50,000 reward is being offered to anyone who provides information that leads to Nancy's return or the arrest of those responsible for her disappearance.
Ransom notes: Media outlets have received several ransom notes. Some of these notes contain detailed information about the Guthrie residence. However, investigating authorities have not confirmed if these ransom notes are real. They have already arrested one individual, Darrick Callella, for sending a fake ransom message.
Darrick Callella's release: Derrick Callella was arrested for threatening Guthrie's daughter and son-in-law, shortly after the family posted an appeal for help on Instagram. Janke mentioned in the press conference that there is no evidence to link this to Guthrie. He explained that Callella was trying to profit from the high-profile case of Nancy Guthrie. Callella was released on a $20,000 bond on Friday, February 6.
Blood evidence confirmed: According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, blood found on the porch of her house was identified as Nancy's. Nanos stated at the press conference on Thursday, "The only DNA evidence we received is on the porch. We saw the report of that blood. It came back to Nancy."
Savannah Guthrie and her family ask for contact: On February 4, Savannah, along with her siblings, Annie and Camron, posted a video urging anyone who has their mother to get in touch and provide proof that she is alive. Camron Guthrie shared another video on Instagram, repeating the message, stating, "We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward," according to Hindustan Times report.
Retired FBI agents point lack of contact between the family and possible kidnapper: Andrew McCabe, a former FBI agent, said, "Every kidnapper knows that you cannot get the money, the ransom, unless you've provided proof of life.” James Gagliano, another retired FBI supervisory special agent, added that the most intriguing part of the kidnapping case is that the person or people who reportedly took Nancy Guthrie haven't reached out to her family, even though they have asked for direct communication.
Also Read | Did Epstein really eat babies? Fact-checkers examine viral cannibalism claims
Neighbours spot suspicious van: In the days leading up to her disappearance, Brett McIntire, who lives across the street from Guthrie, informed the New York Post that he had seen a large white van with no markings parked on the street.
No suspects named: According to the latest information, no suspects or persons of interest have been revealed regarding the disappearance. Nanos said at the press conference that the police consider, "Everybody's still a suspect." He mentioned that the police are speaking to everyone connected to the case. "We would be irresponsible if we didn't talk to everybody, the Uber driver, the gardener, the pool person, whoever," Nanos said, according to Hindustan Times report.
No forced entry into home: At the press conference on Thursday, Nanos denied the claims about forced entry into Nancy's home and called them rumours. "Whether it's forced entry or not forced entry, that is something we are just not discussing," Nanos said. They also confirmed that no security cameras were smashed or destroyed.
