Beyond the Dome: “Today” show host’s mother abducted from home and held for ransom

By Ethan Jaffri, Asst. News Editor  

Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, was abducted from her home north of Tucson, Ariz. on Feb. 1. She was last seen on the night of Jan. 31 after being dropped off to her house by family members. DNA tests showed evidence of Guthrie’s blood on her front porch, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. On Feb. 10, FBI Director Kash Patel released footage from Guthrie’s front doorbell camera. The video shows a man in a mask attempting to cover the camera with leaves before dismantling it. Delivery driver Carlos Palazuelos was temporarily detained on the suspicion that he was the suspect involved in the video, but has since been released.

Press outlets have received anonymous letters stating that they are holding Nancy Guthrie ransom for bitcoin. Two letters asked for four and six million dollars in bitcoin for each deadline (one bitcoin = $67,000). The dates for these deadlines have passed, but there are additional letters. TMZ reports that a third letter requests a payment of $66,000 in exchange for “name of the individual involved.” Authorities are working to assess the credibility of these notes and requests.

Guthrie’s health is a concern because she requires daily medication. It is also reported that she has hypertension and a pacemaker, according to sheriff dispatch audio on Broadcastify. Guthrie’s family is desperate for the return of Nancy, pleading that they are ready to pay the kidnappers. However, investigators are still trying to determine if the demands of the money are from the kidnappers, according to ABC News. 

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. The reward was initially at $50,000, but doubled on the night of Feb. 12. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Wednesday it has received nearly 18,000 calls to its tip line, according to NBC News.