TV host's mother presumed dead after ransom messages

The months-long mystery surrounding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of renowned American television host Savannah Guthrie, has taken a grim turn. Nancy, 84, vanished from her Tucson home on January 31. Initially, the family received a ransom demand for millions in bitcoin. However, a second message, sent on February 6 and recently revealed, delivered the devastating news that Nancy had died.

According to the BBC, the second message stated that Nancy's death "was not intentional" and included an apology to the family. Investigators consider the message authentic due to its stylistic similarity to the first and the inclusion of precise details about the victim's home. While the sheriff's office has declined to comment on the message's content, the details lend credence to the family's belief in its authenticity.

“

We received your message and we understand. Please, bring our mother back.

Authorities are actively investigating the case, with the Pima County Sheriff's Office and the FBI collaborating. Surveillance footage previously showed a masked, armed individual entering the house around the time of the abduction, suggesting Nancy was a targeted victim. The motive remains unclear, though financial gain was initially suspected. The family, including Savannah, her siblings, and parents, made a public plea for Nancy's safe return, offering a $1 million reward, with the FBI adding $100,000.

Savannah Guthrie has temporarily stepped away from her on-air duties to support her family during this agonizing period. Despite the dire news, the family has expressed a persistent, albeit somber, hope for information. Investigators are examining all leads and analyzing collected data, though no suspect has been identified. Savannah herself has stated her belief in the authenticity of the initial messages, even as the family has received subsequent false demands.

“

We received your message and we understand. Please, bring our mother back.