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PIMA COUNTY, Ariz. (BFMG) — Authorities in southern Arizona say they still believe Nancy Guthrie is alive as the search for the missing mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie intensifies.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Thursday there is still no person of interest or prime suspect in the case, but investigators are treating the disappearance as a likely abduction and are working around the clock with federal partners. He said detectives are awaiting additional lab analysis and DNA reports.
So far, the only DNA result to come back is blood found on the front porch of the home, which has been confirmed to be Nancy Guthrie’s. Investigators have processed the house for additional biological evidence but do not yet have all the results. Deputies and partner agencies are still going door to door in nearby neighborhoods as part of the search.
The Pima County Critical Response Team initially secured the scene, Nanos said, and other agencies have since gathered their own evidence as the scope of the investigation has widened.
Authorities released a detailed timeline of the weekend Guthrie vanished.
On Saturday, Guthrie went to a family member’s home around 5:32 p.m. to visit and play games, officials said. The home’s garage door is recorded opening at 9:48 p.m. and closing again at 9:50 p.m.
Early Sunday, a doorbell camera went offline at 1:47 a.m. Around 2:12 a.m., a Nest device detected a person on camera, but there was no active subscription for video storage. At 2:28 a.m., Guthrie’s pacemaker lost its connection to her iPhone.
Family members checked on Guthrie around 11:56 a.m. Sunday, authorities said. They called 911 at 12:03 p.m., and Pima County deputies arrived at the home about 12:15 p.m.
Investigators said Guthrie’s vehicle has been processed as part of the crime scene. They also spoke with the Uber driver who took her to Annie’s house for dinner earlier in the evening.
Nanos said his office is not confirming reports of forced entry and said he does not know where that description originated.
The FBI is now working the case alongside the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Federal authorities have announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery or to the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible.
Agents and analysts are reviewing phone records, financial data and other digital devices. The FBI is also putting up billboards around the state to keep Guthrie’s disappearance in the public eye.
Investigators confirmed they are aware of ransom letters sent to media outlets and said they are taking them seriously in consultation with the family. Authorities said there have been three ransom demands, including one with a 5 p.m. deadline Thursday and another with a deadline next Monday.
Officials declined to describe publicly what the consequences would be if those demands are not met.
The ransom letters referenced a floodlight and an Apple Watch but did not include clear instructions for how to communicate with the purported kidnappers, authorities said.
Officials also warned about imposters attempting to exploit the case. At least one person has been arrested in connection with a fraudulent ransom demand, investigators said. Any decision about how to respond to credible ransom demands will ultimately be made by the family, with hostage negotiators from Quantico advising them.
Nanos said detectives are “actively looking at everybody,” including family members such as the son-in-law, but stressed that no one has been identified as a suspect.
There is currently no confirmed proof of life, but authorities say they are operating under the belief that Guthrie is still alive and could be in danger without her medications. Investigators said there is nothing yet to indicate whether she was specifically targeted or chosen at random.
The doorbell camera that went offline before Guthrie is believed to have disappeared is not in law enforcement custody, officials said. Investigators are still working to recover any available surveillance footage from the surrounding area.
Nanos noted his prior experience working closely with federal partners on high-profile cases in Pima County and publicly thanked the president and federal agencies for their support and resources.
Authorities urged anyone with information about Guthrie’s disappearance to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit a tip online.
