The FBI has announce a $50,000 reward for information in the case of Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for five days, as federal authorities formally join the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of longtime Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared overnight Sunday from the residence where she lives alone. The FBI is now working jointly with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department on the investigation.
“We’re announcing a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance,” said Heith Janke, Special Agent in Charge of FBI Phoenix, during a press conference at the Pima County Sheriff’s Office.
Federal agents, analysts and professional staff have been deployed to Tucson to assist local authorities. The FBI has also brought in its Critical Incident Response Group from Quantico, Virginia, as well as its Cellular Analysis Survey Team to support the investigation.
Authorities confirmed Thursday that blood discovered on the front porch of Guthrie’s home has tested positive as belonging to her. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said that, so far, the only DNA evidence recovered at the residence is the blood found on the porch.
Nanos said forensic testing has been ongoing, though results have been coming in gradually.
“We believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home,” Nanos said. “The sheriff’s department, along with all of our partners at the FBI, has been working around the clock, and we just want her home and to find a way to get to the bottom of all of this.”
A security camera at Guthrie’s home detected movement near the property around the time of her disappearance, according to Nanos. However, the doorbell camera was removed, and the manufacturer has been able to recover the footage from the night of the kidnaping.
Authorities also addressed multiple ransom notes that were sent to media outlets earlier this week. During Thursday’s briefing, officials said an arrest has been made in connection with what they described as a hoax ransom note. Janke said the individual behind that message appeared to be attempting to exploit the case, which has drawn national attention.
Investigators are continuing to review another ransom note that included specific details about the scene, including mention of an Apple Watch and a damaged floodlight at Guthrie’s home. That note is being examined for authenticity.
“As with every lead, we are taking it seriously,” Janke said. “We are in communication with the family. While we advise and recommend from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family.”
Authorities have described Guthrie’s disappearance as a possible kidnapping or abduction and are treating her home as a crime scene.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night when she was dropped off at her Tucson home by her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, after having dinner with family. The next day, relatives reported her missing after she failed to attend church services.
Sheriff Nanos has stated that Cioni is not considered a prime suspect and has cautioned against speculation regarding ransom messages sent to media outlets, including TMZ and local Arizona stations, saying they have not been substantiated.
Savannah Guthrie has publicly asked for prayers for her mother’s safe return and has stepped away from NBC News’ coverage of the Winter Olympics as the search enters its eleventh day.
The investigation remains ongoing.
