A former top FBI official has raised serious questions about the validity of the kidnapping claim involving Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie.
Nancy vanished from her home in Tucson, Arizona, last weekend, sparking a widespread search and growing concerns about her safety.
Police discovered a trail of blood outside her door and found that her doorbell camera had been disconnected around 1:47 AM on Sunday, shortly before she was believed to have been taken.
Her family, including Savannah, has pleaded for her safe return. They have agreed to meet the demands of the abductors, who initially asked for $1 million in ransom, which later escalated to $6 million.
FBI Official Skeptical of Kidnapping Claim
Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker raised doubts about whether this was truly a kidnapping during an interview on Fox News’ The Big Weekend Show.
“I’m very skeptical of this,” Swecker said. “Is this really a kidnapping? Does somebody really have her, and is she really alive?”
Swecker also pointed out the rapid increase in ransom demands, which had initially been set at $1 million before skyrocketing to $6 million.
He suggested that the ransom situation could be the work of opportunists rather than legitimate kidnappers, saying: “I really think there’s a third party here that’s just playing with them, opportunists who think they can exploit this situation.”
Ongoing Search and Police Investigation
The search for Nancy has intensified, with police recently conducting a search of the septic tank behind her home.
Drone footage showed investigators opening a manhole cover in the backyard on Sunday, although no information about the findings has been released.
Authorities have not named any suspects or persons of interest in the case, but the ransom note remains under serious investigation.
Despite receiving a ransom message, the authorities have stressed that they still have no concrete evidence of Nancy’s well-being.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos echoed this uncertainty, saying: “Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home,” but adding: “We have no evidence she’s okay.”
Savannah and Family Plead for Nancy’s Return
Savannah and her siblings, Camron and Annie, have used social media to communicate directly with the captors.
They shared emotional messages, pleading for their mother's safe return: "We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
In another video, the distraught family emphasized the importance of confirming their mother's status: "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."
The 84-year-old, who struggles with mobility issues, requires daily medication for high blood pressure, heart conditions, and a pacemaker, further heightening concerns about her well-being.