With the ransom clock expired and no new messages, investigators say the hunt for Nancy Guthrie continues without a suspect.
Federal authorities say they are unaware of any ongoing communication between the family of Nancy Guthrie and the people believed to be behind her disappearance, even as a high-stakes ransom deadline has now passed.
Nancy, 84, was reported missing after she failed to appear at church the morning after being dropped off at her Tucson, Arizona, home on Saturday, Jan. 31. Within days, investigators announced they believe she was taken against her will.
Blood later found on her porch was confirmed to match her DNA, deepening fears about her safety.
According to sources familiar with the case, ransom notes were sent to multiple media outlets demanding payment in bitcoin. The messages laid out two deadlines: $4 million by Thursday, Feb. 5, and a higher demand of $6 million by Monday, Feb. 9, if the first amount was not paid.
The initial deadline passed without payment, leaving the family until 5 p.m. local time on Monday to meet the increased demand.
Shortly after that final deadline, the FBI released a statement saying it could not confirm whether any payment had been made. More critically, the bureau said it had no knowledge of continued contact between the family and the suspected kidnappers.
“The FBI is not aware of any continued communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers,” FBI Phoenix spokesperson Connor Hagan said.
Nancy is the mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, but investigators have emphasized that their focus remains on locating the missing woman and identifying whoever is responsible.
Despite an intensive, multi-agency effort, authorities say they have not named any suspects or persons of interest.
Hagan said FBI teams from across the country are assisting in Tucson, where a 24-hour command post is now operating. The effort includes crisis management experts, analysts, and investigators working around the clock.
Still, officials stress that public assistance could be crucial.
To encourage tips, the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to Nancy’s recovery or an arrest in the case.
Investigators have also cautioned the public against spreading false information or attempting to exploit the situation. One person has already been arrested in connection with a fake ransom message, according to FBI officials.
Another message received later is still being examined for authenticity.
At a previous press conference, FBI leaders acknowledged the ransom deadlines and briefly referenced evidence including an Apple Watch and a floodlight but declined to share details that could compromise the investigation.
As days pass with no confirmed contact and no identified suspect, authorities say the case remains active and urgent.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
PHOTO CREDIT: Generate Gemini
