Authorities in Arizona are investigating alleged ransom notes linked to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of television presenter Savannah Guthrie.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that the FBI reviewed the note and shared it with Savannah Guthrie. Investigators are treating it as a potential lead.
“If someone brings us information, we examine every part of it,” Nanos said during a briefing.
Search Continues as Health Concerns Grow
Nancy Guthrie has been missing for several days and requires regular medication. When asked if investigators believe she could still be alive, Sheriff Nanos said hope remains.
“We hope she is,” he told reporters.
Investigators have not identified a motive. They also have not confirmed whether her public profile played a role. However, Nanos said they cannot dismiss that possibility.
Surveillance Footage Still Unavailable
Investigators have not accessed footage from the home’s security cameras. According to the sheriff, the department is working with technology companies to recover video from Saturday night.
Family members last saw Nancy Guthrie around 9:30 pm local time after dropping her off at home.
Concern grew the following morning when members of her church noticed she did not attend Sunday services. They contacted her family around 11:00 am.
When deputies arrived at the property, the scene caused what Nanos described as “grave concern.”
Evidence Under Review
Police located blood at the home and submitted samples for testing, according to media reports. Sheriff Nanos did not confirm the location of the blood.
Investigators also collected fingerprints and DNA samples. So far, results have not identified a suspect.
Customs and Border Protection has provided tracking dogs to assist in the search.
Belief That She Was Taken Against Her Will
Sheriff Nanos said investigators believe someone took Nancy Guthrie from her home against her will.
“That is where the evidence leads us right now,” he said.
He urged the public to share tips and said authorities would follow every lead.
Nancy Guthrie reportedly has physical health issues but no cognitive impairment.
Homicide detectives responded early in the case. Nanos noted this step is not typical in missing person investigations.
Family Response and National Attention
Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from her on air duties to remain with her family during the search.
In a social media message, she thanked supporters for their prayers and expressed faith and hope for her mother’s safe return.
A network spokesperson said Guthrie would not take part in upcoming coverage so she could focus on her family.
President Donald Trump also commented on the case Tuesday. He said he plans to call Savannah Guthrie and would consider assigning more federal agents.
“It’s a terrible situation,” he said at a White House event.
