The FBI is sharing more details about the alleged ransom note received in the case for Today anchor Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.
“I think we start to look at what the deadlines were in the note,” FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke shared during the Thursday, February 5, press conference. “First, I think [it] was 5 p.m. today, and then it had a second deadline after that. So we are continuing in a normal kidnapping case, there would be contact by now trying to discuss that. But those are the time frames we’re looking at as we move forward.”
Janke noted that the alleged ransom note distributed to the media did make a demand for 5 p.m. and included an alternate date.
“If a transfer wasn’t made, then I think a second demand was for next Monday,” Janke explained. “We’re not going to go beyond that.”
News broke on Sunday, February 1, that Nancy was reported missing when a family member called 911. Amid the ongoing search, the FBI shared on Thursday that they have made one arrest related to a separate, fake ransom note.
“We have made one arrest related to an imposter ransom demand, and a complaint will be presented to a magistrate judge later today,” Janke said. “You will get more on that from the FBI and our U.S. Attorney’s office here in Arizona when it becomes available.”
He added, “There’s no evidence to connect this to Nancy’s case. It was someone that was trying to profit off it.”
He went on to make a request for anyone who might be planning to claim they are involved in the case as a way to receive the $50,000 reward.
“My next message is to those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation. We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” Janke continued, “This is an 84-year-old grandma that needs vital medication for her well being. You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you.”
One day before the press conference, Savannah, 54, and her two siblings — sister Annie Guthrie and brother Camron Guthrie — shared an emotional plea via social media.
“On behalf of our family we want to thank all of you for the prayers for our beloved mom, Nancy. We feel them and we continue to believe that she feels them too,” Savannah said, in part, in the Wednesday, February 4, video. “Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She is funny, spunky and clever. She has grandchildren who adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and you’ll see.”
The siblings went on to address the alleged ransom note that was sent to a local news outlet regarding Nancy’s disappearance.
“As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” she said. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”
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