Investigators with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department conducted an extensive search of an 84-year-old woman’s property Sunday, examining a septic tank through a manhole cover in the backyard as the search for Nancy Guthrie enters a critical phase.
The missing woman’s disappearance has prompted an urgent response from law enforcement.
Deputies were observed lifting the manhole cover while drone operators documented the scene from overhead positions, the New York Post reported.
The Sheriff’s Department provided an update on the case Sunday through their social media channels.
They confirmed that investigative work continues at several sites.
According to the department’s statement, authorities have not yet identified any suspects in connection with the case.
No persons of interest have been named at this time.
Officials also stated that no vehicles connected to the disappearance have been located.
The department indicated they are not scheduling regular briefings with the media.
Law enforcement emphasized they will convene a press conference only if major developments emerge.
The investigation remains active across multiple locations throughout the area.
The search efforts at the 84-year-old’s residence occurred shortly after her children made a public appeal.
The family announced their readiness to meet the financial demands of those holding their mother, according to a recent report from the Daily Caller.
Savannah Guthrie, who co-hosts NBC’s morning program “Today,” joined her brothers and sisters in posting messages on social platforms.
The family collectively expressed their determination to secure their mother’s release.
A ransom demand was issued to the family requesting payment in cryptocurrency.
The amount specified totals $6 million to be delivered in Bitcoin, per the Post.
The NBC personality addressed those responsible for her mother’s disappearance directly in her statement.
“We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her,” she said.
The family made clear their commitment to fulfilling the payment requirements.
“This is very valuable to us, and we will pay,” Guthrie said.
The ransom communication included specific timing requirements for the transaction.
Those behind the demand established a firm cutoff of 5 p.m. on Feb. 9.
Resist the Mainstream reported over the weekend that a neighbor of Nancy says he spotted a suspicious unmarked white van parked on her street just days before she vanished.
“It was a white van, full sized, with no printing on the sides. It was parked on the street,” 72-year-old Brett McIntire said, noting it did not resemble normal work or service vehicles.
The encounter has left McIntire so shaken and alert that he now carries a pen and paper on his daily walks so he can write down anything suspicious he sees in the neighborhood.
His wife Lisa has also said that the disappearance has forced the couple to rethink their own sense of security. “I’m kind of a deep sleeper,” said Lisa.
“It’s unlikely someone could get past one of the metal doors, but we’re a little concerned,” she added.
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