As the search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother moves into its second week, her family is facing an excruciating moment under mounting pressure.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since Feb. 1. Investigators say she was taken against her will from her home outside Tucson. With no verified line of communication from whoever sent the messages, the Guthrie family has chosen to respond publicly to unverified ransom notes that set out two deadlines.
The first deadline passed Thursday evening without payment, based on publicly available information. A second deadline, set for Monday at 5 p.m., has heightened concern as authorities continue their search with no suspects or persons of interest identified.
No Funds Sent to Alleged Ransom Wallet Ahead of Monday Deadline
NBCUniversalTMZ reported that an alleged bitcoin account set up to receive ransom funds in the case of Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother remained empty as of Monday morning, with time running out ahead of a reported deadline.
Over the weekend, Savannah and her family publicly responded to a ransom message, saying they are prepared to pay the $6 million demand in exchange for Nancy’s safe return.
The unverified note initially called for payment by Thursday evening, but also included a second deadline set for Monday at 5 p.m. local time in Tucson.
TMZ reported that as of Monday morning, there was no visible activity tied to the alleged account, even as the deadline draws closer and concern continues to mount.
What Happens If the Deadline Passes
GettyFormer hostage negotiator Dan O’Shea says a missed deadline does not necessarily mark the end of the case.
“It doesn’t mean the end of the story,” O’Shea told Fox News. “It would be the next chapter.”
He added that the lack of a suspect makes the situation especially difficult. “They don’t even have a person of interest at this point, which makes it even harder,” he said. “So this evil right now is a ghost in the wind. And, you know, we’re all waiting with bated breath, how it’s going to turn out.”
O’Shea pointed to past cases where deadlines came and went without fatal outcomes. “Just the fact that there’s a deadline tomorrow at five o’clock, that doesn’t mean the end of the story,” he said. “I just think it would be the next chapter, frankly.”
Family Pleads Publicly for Nancy’s Return
Over the weekend, Savannah and her siblings, Annie and Camron, released another video appeal addressed directly to the person or people believed to be holding their mother.
“We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” Savannah said. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
The family’s decision to speak publicly appears tied to the absence of any private communication channel. Officials have not confirmed whether the ransom notes are authentic.
Investigators Expand Search With No Suspects Identified
Authorities returned to multiple locations over the weekend, including Annie’s home and the area surrounding Nancy’s residence.
Drone footage showed investigators examining what appeared to be a septic tank behind Nancy’s property. Officials have not said whether the search produced any evidence.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said follow-up work is continuing at several sites.
“Investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to this case,” the department said Sunday.
Sheriff Chris Nanos has previously confirmed that the blood found on Nancy’s front porch was a DNA match to her.
She was last seen Jan. 31 and reported missing the following morning after she did not arrive at church.
As Monday’s deadline draws closer, life outside Nancy’s home moves quietly on. Neighbors pass by on morning walks. A sheriff’s deputy remains posted nearby. Officials say the investigation is active, but answers remain painfully scarce.
For the Guthrie family, every passing hour carries the same hope. That Nancy is still alive. And that communication, however fragile, can still lead her home.
