In a turn in the ongoing disappearance of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother, authorities have confirmed that blood found on the front porch of Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home belongs to the 84-year-old.
Nancy vanished five days ago, and officials are now treating the case as an apparent kidnapping, per PEOPLE.
The revelation came Thursday, February 5, during a press conference held by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. The home was previously declared a crime scene after investigators found what they described as “very concerning” conditions at the property.
Despite the forensic confirmation, Sheriff Nanos stated that no suspects or persons of interest have been identified.
Ransom Notes and a Desperate Plea: “We Want to Hear From You”
The FBI is investigating a series of alleged ransom notes sent to multiple media outlets.
FBI special agent in charge Heith Janke addressed the content of the messages, noting they included a dollar demand and two deadlines — the first set for 5:00PM Thursday and a second one for Monday, February 9, if the initial demand wasn’t fulfilled.
One note referenced an Apple Watch, another a floodlight, but Janke confirmed there was “no proof of life.”
Savannah Guthrie, joined by her siblings, directly addressed the notes in an emotional video shared to Instagram on Wednesday, February 4.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Savannah said.
“As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. 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.”
“It’s clear the family wants to be contacted,” Janke added, though he also noted it remains unclear whether Nancy was specifically targeted.
FBI Puts Up $50,000 Reward as Search Efforts Escalate
The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information that leads to either Nancy’s safe return or an arrest in the case. Nancy was last seen at her Tucson residence on the night of January 31.
When she failed to show up for church the next day, her family reported her missing around noon.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has stated their belief that she was taken against her will.
“Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie,” the department shared in a February 4 statement.
They also urged the public not to spread rumors or false leads, emphasizing that “the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.”
Savannah Guthrie Leaves ‘Today’ and Olympics Coverage Amid Crisis
Savannah Guthrie has temporarily stepped away from her role on Today and also pulled out of her planned coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, according to PEOPLE. She and her family are currently in Arizona, focused entirely on the search for Nancy.
Sheriff Nanos, who previously said that Nancy is “not in good physical health” and without her daily medication, reiterated in a press conference on Tuesday that officials still don’t know Nancy’s location or how many individuals may have been involved.
Nancy has “no cognitive issues” and is “very alert, she’s of good, sound mind,” but her health situation adds urgency to the search.
Despite the dire developments, investigators remain cautiously optimistic.
In an interview with NBC’s Liz Kreutz, aired Wednesday on Today, Nanos confirmed authorities are holding onto hope: “They’re devastated like anyone would be,” he told PEOPLE on February 2. “They are a family and they lean on each other.”
Authorities have said there’s no indication the disappearance poses a broader public threat.