Nancy Guthrie abduction case gets $50,000 reward, new timeline revealed

Nancy Guthrie appears to have been abducted just minutes after the security camera at her home was disabled, according to a new timeline shared by authorities on Thursday.

The new facts, including that the blood found in her home belonged to the 84-year-old, were shared the day after her children made a desperate appeal to a possible kidnapper or kidnapper to contact them.

Authorities also announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie’s mother or the arrest and conviction in the case.

“At this time, we believe Nancy is still there. We want her home,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at Thursday’s news conference. He said a massive team of local and federal partners is still “working around the clock.”

In the shared tearful video instagram On Wednesday night, Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings pleaded for their mother’s return and appeared open to contacting her kidnappers about a possible ransom.

“We live in a world where sounds and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that he is alive and that you have him,” said Savannah Guthrie. “We want to hear from you and we’re ready to listen. Please reach out.”

The heartbreaking video was the latest development in a case that has captured the nation’s attention, with true crime fanatics and experts speculating about the crime in real time, ransom notes being sent to media outlets and the president offering to fund relief.

Nancy Guthrie was first reported missing from her home in the Tucson area on Sunday morning after she failed to show up for church. His family and authorities noticed that the 84-year-old was nowhere to be found, but his essential belongings (cell phone, wallet, car and medications) were still at home. His family last saw him around 9:30 p.m. Saturday night, authorities said.

Although Guthrie is lucid, he has physical ailments that prevent him from walking very far, and he must take his daily medications, which are seemingly non-existent.

There was also evidence that someone had broken into his home, according to law enforcement sources who were not authorized to discuss the case publicly. Footage reviewed by The Times showed traces of blood droplets near the front door of the house.

Authorities said they believe he was “taken from his home against his will.”

Multiple news outlets also reported receiving possible ransom notes demanding money in exchange for Nancy Guthrie’s release. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it was aware of the notes but had not confirmed their authenticity.

While telling about his mother in his video defense, Guthrie appealed to the humanity of those who kidnapped his mother.

“He loves fun and adventure. He’s a loyal friend. He’s full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to him and you’ll see,” Guthrie said through tears.

He also reiterated that his mother could not afford her medication and that she “needed it to survive and not to suffer.”

Experts have made this case increasingly extraordinary, both because of its circumstances and because of the decisions taken by the investigators.

Retired LAPD Lt. Adam Bercovici, who oversees the Special Investigation Section of the agency’s Robbery Homicide Division, which includes kidnappings, said the usual playbook for handling such a case is already out the window because law enforcement generally tries not to share the involvement or pursuit of any suspects.

Bercovici said he was surprised that local authorities initially called Guthrie “missing” despite initial evidence pointing to an abduction. He was also surprised that detectives initially returned to the scene after clearing the house, appearing to try to gather additional evidence after the family returned and reporters fanned out throughout the property.

“This looks like something that happened in the 1940s, when a kidnapping was widely seen in the media,” Bercovici said. He also said it was surprising that the ransom notes were sent to the media and not directly to the family or someone who could pay.

Horace Frank, a former deputy chief of the Los Angeles Police Department who oversaw kidnapping investigations, said that while it was unusual, he was glad the full memo was not made public.

Given the circumstances, he understands why the family is making a video plea.

“They appeal to the human side of their captors.” [is] or someone with some kind of knowledge,” Frank said. “You’re trying to make it harder for whoever is behind this.”

The Guthrie siblings in the video also directly addressed their mother.

“Mom, if you’re listening, we want you to come home,” Annie Guthrie said. “We missed you.”

“We will not rest, and neither will your children, until we are together again,” said Savannah Guthrie.