New information has surfaced regarding the Guthrie family’s decision to offer an additional reward for tips related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
On Tuesday, Savannah Guthrie announced that they are offering “up to $1 million” for the recovery of her beloved 84-year-old mother, who was abducted from her home on February 1.
Many are questioning why the Guthrie family did not offer a reward earlier and what prompted the decision to do so now.
Why Didn’t Savannah Guthrie and Her Family Offer a Reward Earlier?
A source close to the family told PEOPLE that the Guthries have considered offering a reward from the very first day.
However, they were reportedly advised against it due to concerns that it could potentially complicate the investigation.
“The family first raised this on the first day of the investigation and has been ready to do this ever since,” the source told the outlet. “They were advised by all involved in the investigation that doing so earlier might overwhelm the infrastructure set up to field leads, tens of thousands of which have been coming in organically.”
The outlet also noted that Savannah used the words “up to $1 million” because if there is more than one valid tip, the reward may be split.
Savannah Guthrie Braces for the Worst in Nancy Guthrie Case
Meanwhile, NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz reported that the Guthries were advised by law enforcement not to offer a reward early on in the investigation “out of concern that it can overwhelm and inundate the infrastructure for handling tips.”
Even before the $1 million reward was announced, the communications center handling incoming leads had already received tens of thousands of tips. The call center reportedly added an extra shift to manage the overwhelming volume.
Kreutz added that Nancy Guthrie’s family moved forward with offering the reward after “careful consultation with law enforcement.” They hope it will encourage someone who has been reluctant to come forward to finally share what they know.
In the latest video, the “Today” host said the family still believes in a miracle but acknowledged that the worst may have happened to Nancy Guthrie.
“We also know that she may be lost, she may already be gone,” Savannah said. “She may already have gone home to the Lord that she loves and is dancing in Heaven… and if this is what is to be, then we will accept it. But we need to know where she is. We need her to come home.”
