Authorities offer $50,000 reward in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother: ‘We believe Nancy is still out there’

Authorities believe “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, is “still out there,” but said Thursday no suspect or person of interest has been identified yet in the search that has entered its fifth day.

The FBI announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the “recovery of Nancy Guthrie and or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance,” at a news conference Thursday held with local and federal authorities.

Guthrie, 84, was first reported missing on Sunday after failing to show up for church. She was last seen at approximately 9:48 p.m. on Saturday, when family members dropped her off at her southern Arizona home.

Police provided a timeline Thursday indicating Guthrie’s doorbell camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m. on Sunday and software in the home detected a person on camera at 2:12 a.m., although no video footage is available. Approximately 15 minutes later, her pacemaker app showed it disconnect from her phone, according to the police’s timeline.

“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters at the conference. “The sheriff’s department, along with all of our partners at the FBI, has been working around the clock.”

Investigators are pursuing a “number of leads” and “every single lead” is being examined, he said. So far, the only DNA evidence recovered is blood on the porch identified as Guthrie’s. Authorities declined to say whether they believe there was forced entry into the home.

Police spoke to an Uber driver who took Guthrie to the family residence the night before she disappeared, Nanos said. He noted that no one has been “ruled out” as a suspect at this point.

“We’re actively looking at everybody we come across in this case,” he said. “We would be irresponsible if we didn’t talk to everybody. The Uber driver, the gardener, the pool person, whoever, everybody. It’s so cliche, but everybody’s still a suspect in our eyes.” 

The investigation has taken on new urgency following reports of ransom notes sent to media outlets. In an emotional video plea late Wednesday, Savannah Guthrie addressed the ransom reports and urged potential captors to make contact.

“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.”

She also warned that her 84-year-old mom’s health and heart is “fragile,” and that she depends upon her medication.

“She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine; she needs it to survive, she needs it not to suffer,” the NBC host said.

At Thursday’s news conference FBI Special Agent Heith Janke, of the bureau’s Phoenix division, said it was clear that the Guthrie family “wants to be contacted” by any potential kidnappers.

“They know time is of the essence and if those that may have Nancy are watching this, the family is ready to talk, get proof of life because there has been no contact after that ransom note went to the media,” Janke said. He added that while the FBI advises and communicates with the family from a law enforcement perspective, “any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family.”

As the search has intensified, Savannah Guthrie stepped back from co-hosting the coverage of the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. NBC announced Wednesday that sportscaster Mary Carillo will replace her.

The disappearance and search efforts have drawn national attention, including from the White House, as President Donald Trump has directed all federal law enforcement to “be ready to assist the Guthrie family and local law enforcement in the search.”

“We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!”

Speaking from the White House on Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down on Trump’s promise to help.

“Any requests that are made by state and local officials in the search of Ms. Guthrie will absolutely be accommodated ,” she said. “Our hearts and our prayers are with Savannah and her entire family as they search for her dear mother.”