rki.news
TUCSON, Feb. 9: U.S. authorities are racing against time as a final alleged ransom deadline approaches in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie.
The FBI confirmed that ransom notes linked to the case set a 5 p.m. local time Monday deadline. An earlier deadline last week passed without resolution. Media outlets, including TMZ and local Arizona stations, reported receiving notes demanding payment in Bitcoin, with one report citing a demand of $6 million. Officials said the messages contained sensitive information not publicly disclosed.
Investigators are analyzing digital evidence from Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home and nearby properties. A doorbell camera reportedly disconnected in the early hours of Feb. 1, followed by motion detection and the disconnection of her pacemaker monitoring app. Authorities noted that motion sensors did not record video and may have been triggered by non-human activity.
Security experts say Bitcoin transactions, while often perceived as anonymous, can be traced, potentially aiding investigators. The Guthrie family has publicly stated they are willing to pay but have not specified details.
Law enforcement continues conducting follow-up searches at multiple locations, including the home of Guthrie’s daughter. Officials say no suspects or persons of interest have been identified, and the investigation remains ongoing.