Savannah Guthrie's Mother Kidnapped, Family Pleads for Her Safe Return

Authorities search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie after ransom notes sent to media outlets

Feb. 5, 2026 at 10:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, has captivated the American public much like other famous abductions throughout U.S. history. Police found blood on Nancy's porch that matched her DNA, and several ransom notes have been sent to media outlets demanding a Bitcoin payment. Savannah's brother, Cameron Guthrie, has publicly pleaded for the kidnappers to communicate with the family so they can work to bring Nancy home safely. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward and says they are taking the ransom demands seriously, though no suspects have been identified yet.

Why it matters

The uncertainty surrounding Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping has attracted national attention, similar to other high-profile abduction cases that have captivated the American public over the years. These types of cases often raise broader questions about public safety, law enforcement capabilities, and the psychological impact on victims and their families.

The details

Police say Nancy Guthrie's door camera was disconnected and her blood was found on the porch of her Tucson, Arizona home, where she vanished on Sunday. Several ransom notes have been sent to media outlets demanding a Bitcoin payment, which the FBI is taking seriously. Savannah Guthrie's brother, Cameron, has publicly pleaded for the kidnappers to communicate with the family so they can work to bring Nancy home safely. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward, and security experts say the professional nature of the crime could signal a grim outcome if no proof of life is found soon.

  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on Sunday.
  • Several ransom notes were sent to media outlets with a deadline of Monday afternoon.
  • The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's safe return.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, who was kidnapped from her home in Tucson, Arizona.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the 'Today' show and daughter of Nancy Guthrie, who has publicly pleaded for her mother's safe return.

Cameron Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's brother, who has spoken on behalf of the Guthrie family and pleaded for the kidnappers to communicate with them.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that is investigating the kidnapping and offering a $50,000 reward.

Ed Cash

A security expert who has commented on the professional nature of the crime and the potential grim outcome if no proof of life is found soon.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward. But first, we have to know that you have our mom.”

— Cameron Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's brother

“It does look like a professional did this. Now, how professional did they? Did they take steps to ensure that Miss Guthrie still stays alive?”

— Ed Cash, Security expert

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in responding to high-profile kidnapping cases, as well as the immense emotional toll they take on victims' families. It underscores the need for improved communication, coordination, and resources to help prevent and resolve these types of crimes.