“TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie addressed her mother’s possible kidnapper in a new Instagram video Saturday, saying the family would “pay” for the 84-year-old woman’s safe return.
“We received your message and we understand,” Savannah Guthrie said, seated alongside her brother, Camron, and sister, Annie. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace.”
“This is very valuable to us, and we will pay,” Savannah Guthrie said in closing, holding her siblings’ hands.
Guthrie’s video did not provide specifics about the message she referenced.
At least three news outlets have received a possible ransom note, and it is not clear if she was referencing that note or another communication. NBC News has reviewed a copy of the note. No law enforcement agency has so far substantiated the note.
The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Friday they were aware of a new message regarding Guthrie, which investigators were inspecting for authenticity. It is not known whether this message was connected to the initial unverified note or sender.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her home north of Tucson, Arizona, around noon Sunday after she did not show up at church. She was last seen the night before around 9:45 p.m. after having dinner at Annie Guthrie’s home.
The sheriff’s department believes Guthrie was taken “possibly in the middle of the night, and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction.” State and federal law enforcement officials are involved in the investigation, including the FBI.
In a statement Wednesday, the sheriff’s department said investigators have not identified a suspect or a person of interest. Authorities previously said they have no credible information that Guthrie’s possible abduction was a targeted incident.
Investigators believe Guthrie is “still out there” and remain committed to bringing her home safely.
