TUCSON, Ariz. — Officials in Arizona said they believe the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie was taken from her Tucson home against her will, possibly abducted, this weekend.
Nancy Guthrie, a Northern Kentucky native, was last seen at her home near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue at around 9:30 p.m. Saturday. She was reported missing by her family members the next day.
In a press conference on Monday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said they "do in fact have a crime scene" after finding things at Guthrie's home that were "concerning" to investigators.
TMZ announced Tuesday it had received an unverified ransom note for Guthrie's return. KGUN, the Scripps station in Tucson, also received a ransom note referencing Guthrie. It makes a specific demand for several million dollars in Bitcoin by Thursday and threatens to kill her if payment is not received by Monday.
The note also makes specific reference to two pieces of evidence at the crime scene, which we cannot authenticate as legitimate. KGUN has forwarded the full contents of the note to investigators and authorities.
You can watch the latest on the search for Nancy Guthrie here:
While speaking about her mother in 2022, Savannah Guthrie said she was born in Fort Wright, "carrying that family trait of round cheeks and curly hair and blue eyes."
"She's quick. She's smart. She's well-read. She's curious about everything. She's daring and adventurous," Savannah said. "She's willing to jet off anywhere, and I really do mean jet. She once got in an F-16 in Fort Wright."
Savannah said both of her parents grew up in Kentucky. Nancy Guthrie attended Notre Dame Academy, graduating in 1959. The school released a statement asking for prayers.
"May God surround her and her family with His presence, grant wisdom to those working on her behalf, and bring reassurance in this time of uncertainty," Notre Dame Academy said on social media. "We trust in His care and lift Nancy up in prayer."
Savannah's father was stationed in Melbourne, Australia, when Savannah was born. They then returned to the U.S., moving to Tucson.
In her first statement since her mother's disappearance, Savannah thanked the public for "lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mon, our dearest Nancy."
Savannah called her "a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant."
"Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment," she said.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department said anyone with information is asked to call PCSD or dial 88-CRIME.
