The ransom needed to rescue NBC “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie’s mother Nancy Guthrie is looking to be in the millions.
Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker raised concerns about the reported Bitcoin ransom, which he noted dramatically increased. “Remember now, it was one million not too long ago. All of a sudden, it’s six million,” Swecker said. “I really think there’s a third party here that’s just playing with them, opportunists who think they can exploit this situation.”
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been reported missing since the night of Jan. 31, 2026, from her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson, Arizona. She was last known to be at her residence after returning from a family dinner earlier that evening. When she did not appear for a planned engagement the next morning, family members went to check on her and contacted authorities after being unable to locate her.
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Law enforcement quickly escalated the case from a welfare check to a criminal investigation. The home was secured as a crime scene, and investigators confirmed the presence of blood at the residence that matched Nancy Guthrie’s DNA. Personal belongings such as her phone, wallet, and vehicle were reportedly left behind, suggesting she did not leave voluntarily. Authorities believe her disappearance occurred during the early morning hours, based on digital and physical evidence, though the exact timeline has not been publicly confirmed.
Former Hostage Negotiator Dan O’Shea said on Sunday that the deadline approaching for a $6 million ransom in the case of Nancy Guthrie’s abduction “doesn’t mean the end of the story,” saying he thinks it “would be the next chapter.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the FBI. Search efforts have included forensic processing of the home, neighborhood canvassing, and examination of nearby infrastructure. Investigators have not publicly identified a suspect or confirmed how she was taken, and no arrests have been announced.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information on Guthrie’s disappearance and are vetting ransom notes.
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The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie highlights the unpredictable and complex nature of high-profile missing-person cases. Beyond the immediate search and investigation, situations like this involve layers of uncertainty, public scrutiny, and the potential for misinformation. High media visibility can accelerate tips and public awareness, but it can also attract opportunists or false reports, complicating investigative efforts.
Cases involving ransom or potential exploitation underscore the challenges law enforcement faces in distinguishing legitimate threats from opportunistic or unverified communications. Even in highly publicized matters, patience, methodical analysis, and careful vetting of media-reported claims are critical to protect the safety of the person involved and to maintain the integrity of the investigation.