The first deadline for one of the ransom notes in the case of Savannah Guthrie’s missing mom, Nancy, has passed.
Authorities held a press conference Thursday in which they confirmed that Nancy’s purported captor demanded to be paid by 5 p.m. MT (7 p.m. ET) on Feb. 5.
FBI Phoenix’s special agent Heith Janke told reporters that the note also specified a second deadline for next Monday.
“If a transfer wasn’t made, the second demand was for next Monday,” he said. “I’m not going to go beyond that.”
The federal agent added that he wasn’t “going to go into specifics.”
“As with every lead, we are taking it seriously. We are in communication with the family,” he said. “While we advise and recommend, from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family.”
Earlier this week, ransom notes demanding millions in Bitcoin were sent to two separate news stations.
A letter sent to TMZ threatened that the amount be paid to a specific address, “Or else.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department subsequently released a statement confirming that they were “aware of reports circulating about a possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie.”
As of Thursday afternoon, authorities had not identified a suspect or a person of interest. However, they said investigators are “actively looking at everyone.”
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos also shared a breakdown of the timeline leading up to Nancy’s disappearance.
Nancy, 84, was last seen alive on Saturday, Jan. 31 when she was dropped off by family members at her Tucson-area home. The next morning, she was reported missing by family members and police immediately began a search and rescue mission.
Nanos confirmed that a rushed DNA test revealed that a trail of blood left outside of Nancy’s home after her disappearance belonged to her.
A $50,000 award is being offered to anyone who has information leading to Nancy’s recovery.
Savannah and her two siblings, Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie, released a heartwrenching video Wednesday begging for their mother’s release.
“Everyone is looking for you, Mommy — everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again,” Savannah said as she started to cry. “We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing.”
Through the video, Nancy’s children spoke directly to their mom’s alleged captor, asking for proof that she is alive.
“We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk,” Savannah said.
She then addressed the purported abductor, explaining: “However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. 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.”
FBI agents were spotted at Annie’s home this week for a two-hour meeting, during which time the “Today” show host was believed to be present.
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