Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for over 20 weeks. Her disappearance has left her family in distress, with no clear indication of her whereabouts.
Since her disappearance, there have been multiple ransom notes that have garnered significant attention. The first note demanded bitcoin cryptocurrency for her release, while the second allegedly referred to Nancy dying. A third correspondence, referenced by investigative sources, claimed to have a video of the 'main guy' and Nancy the day she died.
The FBI has deemed the three communications fake, according to an official who spoke to a major news organization. However, the agency later appeared to backtrack, confirming that there are still ransom demands deemed 'potentially legitimate.' The case remains under investigation as a kidnapping for ransom.
Nancy is believed to have been taken against her will from her home in the wealthy area of Catalina Foothills outside Tucson, Arizona. Doorbell footage released by the FBI from the early hours of February 1 showed a masked individual carrying a backpack approaching Nancy's porch. The next morning, Nancy didn't show up at a friend's house for church, and her family was alerted.
Savannah Guthrie took months off before returning to the Today Show, as she struggled to cope with the disappearance of her mother. She has spoken publicly about the emotional toll of the situation, including a phone call with her brother where she asked if he thought the abduction was related to her work.
Two men have been detained in connection with the case, but neither has been charged. Derrick Callella, 42, pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment using a telecommunication device for sending fake ransom demands. A formal sentencing will take place in September.
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance remains active and ongoing, with the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI working closely together to follow up on leads and review information. The family remains in a state of distress, with no clear indication of Nancy's whereabouts or the motives behind her abduction.
