Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, conducted a search of a septic tank behind her Tucson, Arizona, home as the case reached a critical point with reported ransom deadlines approaching.
Detectives were seen on Sunday examining a septic tank at Guthrie's residence in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood, where she was last seen on January 31. Drone footage showed officers opening a manhole cover and lowering a long pole into the tank. Law enforcement officials have not said what prompted the search or whether any evidence was recovered.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has stated it believes Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will. Sheriff Chris Nanos previously confirmed that blood found on the front porch of the home matched Guthrie's DNA. Authorities have also raised concerns about her health, noting that she requires daily medication, has a pacemaker, and suffers from high blood pressure and other heart-related conditions.
Multiple media outlets have reported receiving alleged ransom letters demanding payment, including requests for cryptocurrency. While investigators have not confirmed the authenticity of the messages, the letters reportedly set deadlines, with at least one approaching Monday evening.
In a video message released over the weekend, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings said the family was willing to pay the demanded ransom in hopes of securing their mother's safe return. Savannah directly addressed those holding her mother, saying the family had received the message and was prepared to comply.
Police have emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and active. No suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to the case have been publicly identified. Deputies continue to maintain a presence at the Guthrie residence as authorities pursue all available leads in a case that has drawn national attention.
