Kidnappers Demand $6M for Savannah Guthrie’s Mom
Kidnappers demand $6M in for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy; search in Arizona intensifies as Long Island viewers grow concerned
A demand for a $6 million ransom in the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother has drawn national attention and alarmed many Long Island viewers who watch Guthrie on the “Today” show.
KGUN9, an ABC affiliate in Tucson, reported that individuals claiming to have abducted Nancy Guthrie sent ransom notes to multiple media outlets demanding $6 million in cryptocurrency. Reporter JJ McKinney said the station received one of the messages directly, which set a payment deadline of 5 p.m. local time on Monday.
According to the station, the note warned that Nancy’s life would be endangered if the family did not meet the deadline. Authorities have not confirmed the notes’ authenticity but are aware of and investigating them.
In an emotional social video Saturday evening, Savannah appeared with her siblings Camron and Annie to address the alleged kidnappers. The siblings pleaded for Nancy’s safe return. Savannah confirmed the family had received the communication and appealed to those behind it to bring Nancy home so the family can be reunited. She emphasized that her mother’s safety is priceless to the family and said they would do what they must for her well‑being, adding that only Nancy’s return will bring them peace.
Sunday marked eight days since Nancy Guthrie was reported missing, turning the case into a high-profile search followed from New York to Arizona. Many Long Island viewers, who feel a connection to Savannah from her morning broadcasts, have been closely monitoring developments.
Nancy was last seen on Jan. 31 after spending the evening at daughter Annie’s Tucson home, where they had dinner and played games. She did not resume her usual routine, prompting concern. Family members officially reported her missing around noon on Feb. 1, launching an intensive local investigation.
Over the past week, law enforcement conducted repeated searches around both Annie’s residence and Nancy’s home in the Tucson area. Officers returned to both properties Saturday, though authorities have not disclosed the reason for the renewed searches or whether any evidence was found.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation is active. As of Saturday night, officials had not named suspects or persons of interest, leaving many questions unanswered.
Experts on Long Island caution against responding to ransom demands—especially those involving hard-to-trace currencies like cryptocurrency. While Arizona officials have not advised the Guthrie family publicly on whether to pay, investigators typically urge coordination with police and the FBI in such situations.
With the Monday deadline approaching, concern among viewers across the New York region is increasing. Many on Long Island remain hopeful that Nancy will be found alive and returned to her family.
Pima County officials ask anyone with information about Nancy’s whereabouts or the ransom communications to contact them immediately. Though the investigation is based in Arizona, digital tips or evidence could originate anywhere in the country, including the New York area.
