The family of an 84-year-old woman who vanished from her Arizona home last week has made a direct public appeal for her safe return, indicating a willingness to meet demands to secure her release.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31. In a statement shared online this past Saturday, her three adult children—including television journalist Savannah Guthrie—addressed an unnamed individual directly.
“We have received your communication and we understand,” the family’s message stated. “We now implore you: return our mother to us so we may be reunited. This is the only path to peace for our family. What you ask for has value to us, and we are prepared to provide it.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the investigation remains active but has not identified any suspects or persons of interest. Authorities are continuing to interview individuals who may have had contact with Guthrie prior to her disappearance.
“Detectives are working in close coordination with the Guthrie family,” a department spokesperson said. “We urge the public to refrain from spreading unverified claims, as this hinders the investigative process.”
In a recent development, law enforcement removed a vehicle from the missing woman’s property for forensic analysis. Investigators also collected surveillance equipment from the home and a nearby structure.
A former federal agent, commenting on typical investigative procedures, suggested the removal of the vehicle indicates authorities are conducting a thorough forensic examination of all potential evidence. “They will scrutinize any digital evidence and historical data from the property,” the analyst noted.
While no official breakthroughs have been announced, a high-level political figure remarked earlier this week that investigators were pursuing significant leads and suggested developments in the case could be imminent.
The family’s public plea underscores their growing desperation as the search enters its second week.