Savannah Guthrie’s family has issued a fresh plea to their mother’s suspected kidnappers after the deadline listed on an apparent ransom letter connected to the 84-year-old’s disappearance passed.
“Whoever is out there holding our mother. We want to hear from you,” the “Today” show co-host’s brother, Camron Guthrie, said in a video posted to Instagram Thursday evening.
“We haven't heard anything directly. We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward. But first we have to know that you have our mom. We want to talk to you, and we are waiting for contact.”
Police believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Arizona home, where she was last seen Saturday evening. As searches continued for a fifth day with no suspects identified, investigators revealed details about a ransom letter sent to multiple media outlets earlier this week.
The note listed an initial deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday and a second deadline next Monday, the FBI said. Nancy’s family is yet to receive proof of life.
Investigators also arrested one person in connection with an “imposter” ransom demand. Derrick Callella is due to appear in federal court Friday.
Read MoreVideo shows trail of blood and missing doorbell camera outside Nancy Guthrie’s house
Savannah Guthrie pulls out of Olympics coverage amid mom’s disappearance
Nancy Guthrie disappearance: Key points
- 5 p.m. ransom note deadline passes
- FBI agent issues plea to Nancy Guthrie's potential abductor
- Savannah Guthrie shares emotional video asking for proof her mother is alive
- Trump says he's deploying 'all resources' in search of Nancy
What we know about Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
Thursday 5 February 2026 19:33 , Katie Hawkinson- “Today” show star Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy Guthrie, was last seen at her Arizona home Saturday night.
- The 84-year-old is “limited in mobility” but of “great sound mind,” according to local authorities. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Monday that he believes Nancy was abducted.
- Police are investigating a ransom letter sent to news outlets earlier this week. The letter lists a deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday, along with a second deadline next Monday, according to Heith Janke, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix office.
- The family has not received “proof of life,” and there has been “no contact” since the note was sent, Janke said.
- President Donald Trump said Wednesday night he spoke with Savannah and is “deploying all resources to get her mother home safely.”
Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping is latest abduction case to capture America's attention
05:30 , Mike BediganThe uncertainty surrounding Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping has captivated the American public, much like other famous abductions throughout U.S. history.
Here's a look at some of those cases, via The Associated Press:
Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping is latest abduction case to capture America's attention
Recap: What happened to Savannah Guthrie’s mom?
05:01 , Mike BediganNancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for nearly a week, and while authorities have no proof she’s alive, they are holding out hope that she’s “still out there.”
Here’s a recap of everything we know so far about her disappearance:
What happened to Savannah Guthrie’s mom? As Today Show host demands proof of life
Man accused of sending fake ransom note to Guthrie family to appear in court
04:30 , Mike BediganMan accused of sending fake ransom note to Guthrie family following the disappearance of their mother will appear in federal court in Los Angeles Friday.
Derrick Callella has been charged with one count of intent to transmit a demand for ransom and one count of using a telecommunications device to anonymously abuse, threaten or harass a person.
He was arrested Thursday.
“The Department of Justice will protect victims and families at all costs, and grief profiteers will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine following Callella’s arrest.
“This case came together in under 24 hours because of the coordinated work of the FBI, local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.”
Watch: Trump speaks out on search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother
04:00 , Mike BediganSavannah Guthrie to miss winter Olympics amid mom's disappearance
03:40 , Mike BediganSavannah Guthrie will miss her scheduled coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, amid the ongoing search for her mother.
Guthrie had been slated to cover the event in Italy for NBC, the opening ceremony for which takes place Friday.
Olympic Production president, Molly Solomon, said in a February 4 statement seen by NBC San Diego that Mary Carillo would be taking Guthrie’s place.
“We are fortunate to have a deep bench of talented commentators who will step and fill these roles. Mary is one of the most experienced Olympic commentators ever and a master storyteller,” the statement read.
“She and Terry will lead the American audience through one of the world’s greatest global moments.”
Recap: Timeline of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
03:20 , Mike BediganEarlier Thursday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office revealed an updated timeline of the events leading up to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
Here’s what we know:
- Saturday, 5:32 p.m.: Nancy travels to a local family member’s home for dinner.
- Saturday, 9:48 p.m.: Family members drop Nancy off at her home, and her garage door opens.
- Saturday, 9:50 p.m.: Nancy’s garage door closes.
- Sunday, 1:47 a.m.: Nancy’s doorbell camera disconnects.
- Sunday, 2:12 a.m.: Software detects a person on the camera (authorities have said there is no video available).
- Sunday, 2:28 a.m.: Nancy’s pacemaker app shows it disconnected from her phone.
- Sunday, 11:56 a.m.: The family checks on Nancy after hearing she did not attend church.
- Sunday, 12:03 p.m.: 911 call made to Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
- Sunday, 12:15 p.m.: Patrol car arrives at Nancy’s home.
Nancy Guthrie is 'okay but scared,' according to alleged ransom letter
03:00 , Mike BediganNancy Guthrie is “okay but scared,” according to the alleged ransom note sent to media outlets.
“They began the letter by saying that that Nancy is is okay, but scared,” TMZ founder Harvey Levin, who has seen the letter, told CNN.
“So they say she is okay, and also that she's aware of the letter and the demands.”
The Guthrie family has urged the person behind their mother's disappearance to "reach out" and provide proof that she is still alive.
Levin added that he believed the suspected kidnapper was based “in the Tuscon area,” based on discussions with his colleagues.
“This doesn't feel like this is somebody out of state or out of the country who hatched this plan. It feels more localized,” he said.
Police are still working to verify the authenticity of the alleged ransom letter, which was also sent to a local news outlet in Tuscon, in Arizona, as well as TMZ.
TMZ founder says Monday deadline 'more consequential'
02:40 , Mike BediganSpeaking to CNN, TMZ founder Harvey Levin said that the ransom letter had two deadlines – but that one had sounded “more consequential.”
“There was this deadline at five o'clock today, and... I'm trying to pick my words carefully here, there is a change. There is a change in what the kidnapper may want,” he said.
“The Monday deadline is far more consequential.”
Levin added: "It felt like somebody means business. I mean, when you read it, it's very detailed. This person thought through, I believe, again, if it's legit, this person thought through the markers of showing that it's real."
Police are investigating the ransom letter, sent to news outlets earlier this week, and are yet to verify its authenticity.
TMZ founder says Guthrie family has 'no way' of contacting suspected kidnapper
02:20 , Mike BediganThe founder of TMZ, one of two media outlets that received copies of an alleged ransom letter for Nancy Guthrie, says that her family currently has no way to contact a suspected kidnapper.
Harvey Levin spoke to CNN shortly after the release of a second video by the Guthrie family in which they urged the person holding their mother to “reach out.”
“They are pleading for this person to come forward. If it indeed is the person behind this letter, the letter says you will have no way of contacting me. This is the only contact,” Levin said.
“So that's why they're pleading for proof of life. That's why they are begging because they have no idea how to get in touch with this person.
“They went to great lengths in sending this email to us, in making sure that it stays anonymous.”
Police are investigating the ransom letter, sent to news outlets earlier this week, and are yet to verify its authenticity.
Watch: Savannah Guthrie's brother issues new plea to mother's kidnappers
02:00 , Mike BediganRead the full DOJ statement on imposter arrest
01:40 , Mike BediganHere is the full DOJ statement on the recent arrest of a man over an “imposter” ransom demand.
On Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, the FBI arrested Derrick Callella in Hawthorne, Calif. Callella has been charged via a criminal complaint filed in federal court for transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce, and without disclosing his identity, utilizing a telecommunications device with the intent to abuse, threaten, or harass a person.
“The Department of Justice will protect victims and families at all costs, and grief profiteers will be held accountable,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine. “This case came together in under 24 hours because of the coordinated work of the FBI, local law enforcement and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.”
“To those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation – we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” said FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke.
Per policy, the FBI does not release booking photos.
A criminal complaint is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Trump keeping tabs on search for Nancy Guthrie
01:20 , Mike BediganDonald Trump is keeping tabs on the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has said.
The president watched Thursday’s press conference updates and has personally spoken with her daughter, NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie.
"The president, as you all know, spoke directly with Savannah yesterday and told her that the federal government is here to help. Any requests that are made by state and local officials in the search of Mrs. Guthrie will absolutely be accommodated,” Leavitt said.
“I spoke with the FBI directly about that today as well, and our hearts and our prayers are with Savannah and her entire family as they search for her dear mother.”
Sheriff's department says comms staff 'overwhelmed' by well-wishers
01:00 , Mike BediganThe Pima County Sheriff's Department has asked that well-wishers stop using its non-emergency phone line to send messages to the Guthrie family following the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
“The Pima County Sheriff's Department understands that many people want to share their thoughts and prayers with the family of Nancy Guthrie, and we appreciate the community's support,” the department wrote on X.
“We respectfully ask that these messages be shared on social media and not through the PCSD non-emergency phone line. Calls expressing condolences have overwhelmed our communications staff, and it's critical that the line remain available for law enforcement purposes.
“Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we continue to serve the community.”
Statement from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department: pic.twitter.com/fHMq1Jx9Tw
— Pima County Sheriff's Department (@PimaSheriff) February 5, 2026
What happened to Savannah Guthrie’s mom? The search continues as Today Show host demands proof of life
00:40 , Katie HawkinsonNancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for five days, and while authorities have no proof she’s alive, they are holding out hope that she’s “still out there.”
Here’s what we know so far about the case:
What happened to Savannah Guthrie’s mom? As Today Show host demands proof of life
Savannah Guthrie's brother issues new plea to mom's suspected kidnappers
00:18 , Mike BediganIn a new video posted on Instagram, Savannah Guthrie’s brother, Camron Guthrie, issued a fresh plea to his mother’s suspected captors, urging them to get in touch with the family.
“Whoever is out there holding our mother. We want to hear from you,” he said.
“We haven't heard anything directly. We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.
“But first we have to know that you have our mom. We want to talk to you, and we are waiting for contact.”
5pm ransom note deadline passes
00:00 , Mike BediganThe 5 p.m. deadline given in a ransom letter connected to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has now passed,
The FBI is investigating the letter, which was sent to multiple media outlets earlier this week.
The ransom note listed an initial deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday and a second deadline next Monday, FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said at an earlier press conference.
Nancy’s family members are “still waiting for communication” and have not received “proof of life,” he noted.
Nancy Guthrie's blood found on porch: sheriff
Thursday 5 February 2026 23:35 , Katie HawkinsonNancy Guthrie’s blood was found on the porch of her home, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters Thursday.
“I think you all know the blood on the porch. ... It came back to Nancy, that's what we know. But there's still more items that have been submitted,” he said.
This comes after a newly-released video revealed a trail of blood leading from the front door of her Arizona home. Read more about the footage below:
Video shows trail of blood and missing doorbell camera outside Nancy Guthrie’s house
ICYMI: Savannah Guthrie demands anyone holding her mother provide proof of life in heartbreaking new family video
Thursday 5 February 2026 23:15 , Katie HawkinsonDay-by-day timeline in the search for Savannah Guthrie's missing mother
Thursday 5 February 2026 22:50 , Katie HawkinsonPolice have released additional details about the hours leading up to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
See the full timeline below:
Day-by-day timeline in the search for Savannah Guthrie's missing mother
Watch: FBI says AI is complicating the search for missing Nancy Guthrie
Thursday 5 February 2026 22:23 , Katie HawkinsonMan arrested and accused of sending ransom-related texts to family
Thursday 5 February 2026 21:49 , Katie HawkinsonDerrick Callella of California is facing charges after allegedly sending texts to two of Nancy Guthrie’s family members asking about Bitcoin, according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court of Arizona.
The texts came after an Arizona news outlet received a message demanding a Bitcoin ransom payment on Monday, the complaint said.
Callella allegedly told officials he had been following the case on TV and “was trying to see if the family would respond,” according to a criminal complaint filed Thursday in the U.S. District Court of Arizona. These messages “have not been linked to the February 2, 2026, ransom demand,” the complaint said.
It’s unclear if Callella has retained an attorney. The Independent was unable to identify his attorney for comment.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke announced earlier Thursday that officials had arrested one person in connection with an “imposter” ransom demand.
FBI offering $50,000 reward
Thursday 5 February 2026 21:30 , Katie HawkinsonThe FBI is offering 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.”
Terrain near Nancy Guthrie's home makes obtaining security footage difficult, sheriff says
Thursday 5 February 2026 21:15 , Katie HawkinsonPima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told CNN the terrain near Nancy Guthrie’s home has made it difficult to obtain security footage.
She lives in Catalina Foothills, an affluent community near Tucson, Arizona.
Nanos said Nancy lives in an area that’s “not well lit.” He described it as a “very suburban, rural area of the Tucson area, in a very mountainous side of town where vegetation is extremely thick.”
“We are still canvassing that neighborhood and other neighborhoods and still drawing down from cameras on our streets, at our intersections, with hopes that maybe we’ll find something,” Nanos told CNN.
Recap: New timeline of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance
Thursday 5 February 2026 21:05 , Katie HawkinsonThe Pima County Sheriff’s Office has revealed an updated timeline of the events leading up to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
Here’s what we know:
- Saturday, 5:32 p.m.: Nancy travels to a local family member’s home for dinner.
- Saturday, 9:48 p.m.: Family members drop Nancy off at her home, and her garage door opens.
- Saturday, 9:50 p.m.: Nancy’s garage door closes.
- Sunday, 1:47 a.m.: Nancy’s doorbell camera disconnects.
- Sunday, 2:12 a.m.: Software detects a person on the camera (authorities have said there is no video available).
- Sunday, 2:28 a.m.: Nancy’s pacemaker app shows it disconnected from her phone.
- Sunday, 11:56 a.m.: The family checks on Nancy after hearing she did not attend church.
- Sunday, 12:03 p.m.: 911 call made to Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
- Sunday, 12:15 p.m.: Patrol car arrives at Nancy’s home.
Watch: Police confirm ransom demand but admit they have no suspects in hunt for Nancy Guthrie
Thursday 5 February 2026 20:55 , Katie HawkinsonInvestigators interviewed Uber driver who took Nancy Guthrie to a family member's home
Thursday 5 February 2026 20:35 , Katie HawkinsonPima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators have interviewed the Uber driver who took Nancy Guthrie to a family member’s house for dinner on Saturday.
“We did speak to a driver, because Nancy, we learned, had been taken by Uber to the family residence, the daughter’s, for dinner. And we located that driver and spoke with them and got that information,” Nanos said.
Family members brought Nancy back home shortly after 9:45 p.m., he said.
‘We believe Nancy is still out there’: Fresh details about kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mom revealed by sheriff
Thursday 5 February 2026 20:15 , Andrea CavallierInvestigators searching for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, believe she is “still out there” five days after she vanished from her Arizona home, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said, as authorities revealed new details in the case.
Fresh details about kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mom revealed by sheriff
Trump watched press conference on Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Thursday 5 February 2026 19:55 , Katie HawkinsonPresident Donald Trump watched today’s press conference about the search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.
"The president, as you all know, spoke directly with Savannah yesterday and told her that the federal government is here to help. Any requests that are made by state and local officials in the search of Mrs. Guthrie will absolutely be accommodated,” Leavitt said.
“I spoke with the FBI directly about that today as well, and our hearts and our prayers are with Savannah and her entire family as they search for her dear mother,” she continued.
Recap: Here's what investigators revealed at today's press conference
Thursday 5 February 2026 19:43 , Katie HawkinsonPima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke hosted a press conference today to update the public on the search for Nancy Guthrie.
Here’s what we learned:
- Investigators believe “Nancy is still out there,” according to Nanos.
- Police have not identified any suspects or persons of interest.
- Investigators are looking into a ransom note that was sent to media outlets. The note listed an initial deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday, along with a second deadline next Monday, Janke said.
- There has been ”no contact” since the letter was sent, and “no proof of life,” according to Janke.
- Blood previously found on Nancy’s porch was identified as hers, Nanos said.
- Nancy’s doorbell camera disconnected Sunday morning around 1:47 a.m, and at 2:12 a.m., “software detected a person on camera,” Nanos said. Less than 20 minutes later, Nancy’s pacemaker app disconnected from her phone.
Ransom note gave deadline of 5 p.m. today, FBI agent says
Thursday 5 February 2026 19:03 , Katie HawkinsonHeith Janke, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix office, said his team is investigating a ransom note that listed a deadline of 5 p.m. today.
The note listed a second deadline for next Monday, he said.
“The ransom note that was distributed to the media did make a demand for 5 p.m. today, and if a transfer wasn't made, then I think a second demand was for next Monday,” Janke explained.
Janke noted there has been “no proof of life, and there were no other demands within that letter.”
”They're still waiting for communication,” he said.
FBI agent issues plea to Nancy Guthrie's potential abductor
Thursday 5 February 2026 18:52 , Katie HawkinsonFBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke spoke directly to Nancy Guthrie’s potential kidnapper at a press conference Thursday.
“The family wants to be contacted. They know time is of the essence. And if those that may have Nancy are watching this, the family is ready to talk, get proof of life, because there has been no contact after that ransom note went to the media,” he said.
'Everybody's still a suspect in our eyes,' sheriff says
Thursday 5 February 2026 18:49 , Katie HawkinsonPima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said “everybody’s still a suspect” in investigators’ eyes.
“That's just how we look at things and think as cops. Does that mean we have a prime suspect? No, and the family has been very cooperative, they've done everything we've asked of them, and we want that relationship to continue,” he told reporters Thursday.
Authorities have yet to rule anyone Nancy Guthrie was with the night she vanished
Thursday 5 February 2026 18:47 , Katie HawkinsonWhen asked if investigators have ruled out anyone Nancy Guthrie was with the night she vanished, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he “wouldn’t say anybody’s ruled out yet.”
Nanos explained that investigators also haven’t identified any suspects.
“Nobody's eliminated, but we just really don't have enough to say this is our suspect ... We just don't know that. And it's really kind of reckless to report that someone is a suspect when they could very well be a victim,” he said.
Sheriff responds to question about 'proof of life'
Thursday 5 February 2026 18:44 , Katie HawkinsonPima County Sheriff Chris Nanos was asked if authorities have received any proof that Nancy Guthrie is still alive.
“Anything to deal with the ransom notes, I would defer to the FBI, but no, to my knowledge, we're still looking for Nancy,” he replied.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a video Wednesday evening asking their mother’s potential kidnapper for proof she’s still alive.
FBI acknowledges reports of ransom notes
Thursday 5 February 2026 18:40 , Katie HawkinsonHeith Janke, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix office, told reporters his office is aware of reports of ransom notes.
“As with every lead, we are taking it seriously. We are in communication with the family, and while we advise and recommend, from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family,” he said.
Authorities have also made an arrest related to an imposter ransom demand.
“My next message is to those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation, we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” he said.
Sheriff provides updated timeline
Thursday 5 February 2026 18:35 , Katie HawkinsonPima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided reporters with an updated timeline on Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
Nancy arrived at a family member’s home for dinner shortly after 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Investigators believe she returned home around 9:45 p.m. that evening.
Then, Nancy’s doorbell camera disconnected early Sunday.
“Sunday morning, early morning at 1:47 a.m., the doorbell camera disconnects,” Nanos said. “At 2:12 a.m., software detects a person on a camera, but there's no video available.”
At 2:28 a.m., “Nancy's pacemaker app shows that it was a disconnect from the phone,” Nanos added.
Nancy Guthrie's blood found on porch: sheriff
Thursday 5 February 2026 18:29 , Katie HawkinsonNancy Guthrie’s blood was found on the porch of her home, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters Thursday.
“I think you all know the blood on the porch. ... It came back to Nancy, that's what we know. But there's still more items that have been submitted,” he said.
'We believe Nancy is still out there,' sheriff says
Thursday 5 February 2026 18:21 , Katie HawkinsonPima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators believe Nancy Guthrie is still alive.
“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there,” he told reporters Thursday.
Sheriff's press conference starting soon
Thursday 5 February 2026 18:04 , Katie HawkinsonPima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is holding a press conference to provide updates on the search for Nancy Guthrie.
The event is expected to begin shortly. Watch live below:
Kash Patel ‘prepared to go’ on Nancy Guthrie search after Trump speaks with her daughter Savannah
Thursday 5 February 2026 17:56 , Andrea CavallierFBI Director Kash Patel is poised to assist in the search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for five days after disappearing from her home in unexplained circumstances.
Keep reading:
FBI set to join search for Nancy Guthrie after Trump spoke with daughter Savannah
Community members offer words of support for Guthrie family
Thursday 5 February 2026 17:38 , Katie HawkinsonPeople across the U.S. are voicing their support for Savannah Guthrie and her family as they search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, NBC News reports.
A church in Tucson, Arizona, held a prayer vigil for Nancy on Wednesday evening, according to the outlet.
“I just wish for her to come home, and for God to just give her peace in whatever situation she’s in right now,” one attendee told NBC News.
New York’s Cardinal Timothy Dolan also offered words of support during an appearance on the Today show.
“Savannah, I am asking the Good Shepherd to find this lost sheep," he said.
NBC Sports Anchor Mike Tirico similarly voiced his support for the family, adding that "this is a time for caring about the people in your family, and we are holding Savannah near and dear to our heart, and we are praying for all of them.”
In pictures: The scene outside Nancy Guthrie's home as the search continues
Thursday 5 February 2026 17:16 , Katie Hawkinson 
