Savannah Guthrie has released a deeply emotional new video message addressed to the people believed to be holding her mother, Nancy Guthrie, seven days after the 84-year-old was reported missing.
Speaking directly to camera on Saturday night, a visibly heartbroken Savannah made a plea for her mother’s safe return.
“We received your message, and we understand,” Savannah said. “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.”
Her message comes as the Pima County Sheriff’s Office confirmed it is aware of a new communication related to the case.
“Investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity,” the department said in a statement shared on social media.
Two law enforcement sources also told CBS News on Saturday that investigators are “developing good information”, though cautioned that “nothing is imminent” at this stage.
Authorities confirmed that the road in front of the Guthrie family home has been restricted as part of the ongoing investigation. Late Saturday night, what appeared to be a dark-coloured SUV was seen being towed away from the property.
Despite these developments, officials stressed that there have been no confirmed breakthroughs.
© Getty Images“As of Saturday morning, investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest or vehicles connected to this case,” a spokesperson for the sheriff’s department said.
On Friday, Savannah’s brother Cameron Guthrie took to social media to issue a desperate plea to whoever may be holding their mother.
“Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you,” he said. “We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.”
“But first, we have to know that you have our mom,” Cameron added. “We want to talk to you, and we are waiting for contact.”
The FBI later confirmed that a recent arrest linked to the case was connected to what authorities described as an “imposter ransom demand”.
“We have made one arrest related to an imposter ransom demand, and a complaint will be presented to a magistrate judge later today,” said FBI agent Heith Janke.
© Getty Images“My next message is to those imposters who are trying to take advantage of and profit from this situation,” he continued. “We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.”
When asked whether there was any proof that Nancy was still alive, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos responded cautiously but resolutely.
“We are still looking for Nancy Guthrie,” he said. “We operate from a position of, until we know, she’s alive.”
Authorities also revealed that the first deadline referenced in a ransom note sent to the media was set for 5pm on February 5, although the time zone was not specified. A second deadline was reportedly set for Monday, February 9. No further communication has been received from the alleged kidnappers since the initial notes were sent.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen near her home in Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday, January 31. Investigators believe the 84-year-old was taken from her home “against her will”.
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