The search for Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy Guthrie, stretched into its fifth day, and a former hostage negotiator is sharing his terrifying theory.
Ex-NYPD hostage negotiator Wallace Zeins told CNN that evidence from the ongoing investigation suggests Nancy may have been abducted by a coordinated criminal group.
“I believe the possibility of more than one person,” Zeins told Erin Burnett during a February 4 interview. “She’s 150 pounds, 5 feet 5, waking up in the middle of the night, not in the best of health — can’t walk or run, so I would think there’s more than one person involved in this particular crime.”
Former Hostage Negotiator Believes Ransom Notes May Offer Clues
Zeins also pointed out that the reported ransom notes sent to media outlets, including TMZ and KOLD, offer new clues about who is behind the abduction.
The law enforcement expert noted that if the ransom notes are legitimate, they can provide forensic evidence that could lead to the suspect.
Zeins explained that if the notes were handwritten, they could offer DNA evidence, whereas if they’re computer-generated, the FBI has the capabilty to track their source.
“If it were on a computer, then that helps also because the FBI is so good at what they do when it comes down to electronic surveillance and electronic stuff of that nature, then they will be able to further that investigation,” he added.
The ransom notes reportedly made demands for payments through Bitcoin, which Zeins said was an indication that the suspects are tech-savvy.
“What does that tell you? It tells you that it’s some type of group that knows what bitcoin is all about, and social media, and they know the system,” he explained.
Previously, TMZ reported that a ransom note was sent to the outlet on Tuesday afternoon, demanding millions in Bitcoin be sent to a specific cryptocurrency address.
Tucson TV station KOLD said it had also received a ransom note, though it’s unclear if the contents are the same.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in a press conference that they are “taking all tips and leads very seriously.”
Savannah Guthrie’s Desperate Plea
Meanwhile, Savannah and her siblings made a desperate plea to the abductor, asking them to let the family know that Nancy is alive.
“We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive, and that you have her,” the “Today” host pleaded in tears. “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”
Ending her statement, Savannah addressed her mom, “We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment, and we pray without ceasing, and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again.”
Nancy was last seen at her home on the night of Saturday, January 31. She was reported missing by her family at noon on February 1, per TODAY.
