US authorities are investigating alleged ransom notes in the disappearance of the mother of NBC News’ Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, officials told CBS news on Tuesday.
Nancy Guthrie went missing in Arizona over the weekend, and police believe she was taken from her home at night against her will.
A note received by a local Arizona news station on Monday, which it agreed not to report on, contained specific details about the home and what the 84-year-old woman was wearing that night, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, as cited by the news outlet. The official did not however confirm the accuracy of that information or the legitimacy of the note.
“It’s like any piece of evidence,” Nanos said. “You give it to us, you give us a lead, we’re going to look at every aspect of that lead.”
Savannah Guthrie is co-host of NBC News’ Today show. Her mother was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson on Saturday evening, when family dropped her off after an outing.
She did not attend her planned church service the following morning, prompting a friend to contact her family. Relatives called 911 around noon Sunday to report her missing after failing to find her at home. Several of her personal belongings, including her cell phone, wallet, and vehicle, remained inside.
Nanos earlier told the press that investigators believe Guthrie was taken from her home against her will, prompting authorities to treat the case as a potential criminal investigation rather than a standard missing-person report.
“I believe she was abducted, yes,” Nanos said, as cited by CBS News. “She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly.”
Her residence was declared a “crime scene” following an initial examination, and law enforcement noted that she has limited mobility and requires daily medication. The FBI has joined the investigation, assisting with evidence analysis and conducting interviews.
Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from her broadcast duties, asking for prayers and support for her mother’s safe return. Authorities have appealed to the public for assistance, urging anyone with photos, surveillance footage, or tips that could help locate Nancy Guthrie to come forward.
US President Donald Trump called the situation with Guthrie’s disappearance “very unusual” and “a terrible thing” during a bill‑signing event at the White House on Tuesday. He promised to call the Today show co‑host to offer support, adding that he would consider additional federal assistance in the investigation.
