Savannah Guthrie issues new plea as search for her mom enters 2nd week: 'We are at an hour of desperation'

( Yahoo )

Savannah Guthrie released a new Instagram video on Monday, pleading with followers for their help as the agonizing search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, entered its second week.

She thanked everyone for all the prayers and love their family has felt, including their mom. “We believe somehow, someway, she is feeling these prayers and that God is lifting her even in this moment, and in this darkest place,” Savannah Guthrie said in the video. "We believe our mom is still out there. We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly around the clock trying to bring her home, trying to find her. She was taken and we don't know where and we need your help.”

Savannah Guthrie asked followers, even if they’re far from Tucson, Ariz., if they see or hear anything that seems strange, to report it to law enforcement.

“We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help,” she concluded.

Anyone with information should reach out to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department tipline at 520-351-4900 or the FBI tipline at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Investigators say they are conducting follow-up searches at multiple locations, as no suspects, persons of interest or vehicles connected with the case have been identified.

Since she was reported missing from her Tucson, Ariz., home on Feb. 1, several news outlets have reported receiving ransom notes containing specific details about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. One note that investigators are taking seriously demanded $6 million in bitcoin for her safe return.

The note included two deadlines: One for 5 p.m. last Thursday and another for 5 p.m. on Monday if a transfer wasn’t made by the first one. FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said the FBI is working to determine whether the two ransom notes are authentic.

The Guthrie family released a video over the weekend addressing the alleged kidnapper, saying the family will pay a ransom in exchange for their mother’s safe return, but did not address Monday’s deadline.

At the request of the Guthrie family, deputies have been assigned to provide security and to maintain a presence at Nancy Guthrie’s home, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

On Monday, Hoda Kotb filled in for Savannah Guthrie on Today, appearing with Craig Melvin.

“We always talk about our show as a family. We are a family. I’m part of the family, and I’m happy to be with you because we show up for each other,” Kotb replied. She later added, "Paramount through all of this, Savannah and her family are our top priority; in addition to that, there is also a job to do.”

What happened over the weekend in the investigation?

On Friday, FBI agents searched Nancy Guthrie’s home and the surrounding vegetation. The FBI removed a camera from the roof of her home, and a dark-colored SUV was also towed from her garage.

On Saturday evening, the Guthrie family released a third video on Instagram, addressing their mother’s possible kidnapper. “We received your message, and we understand,” Savannah Guthrie said, seated between her brother, Camron, and sister, Annie. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

The video was in response to a second ransom note sent to KOLD, a Tucson, Ariz., TV station, the Associated Press reported, citing an FBI spokesman.

In the video, the family didn’t mention their mother’s need for life-saving medication, proof of life or the Monday ransom deadline.

Sheriff’s detectives also did a follow-up search of Annie’s home on Saturday night. Nancy Guthrie had gone there for dinner the evening before she disappeared from her home. A spokesperson confirmed the follow-up search is part of the normal investigatory process.

On Sunday, police searched inside a septic tank behind Nancy Guthrie’s home. Anything flushed down a drain in Nancy’s home would have been deposited into the tank, not emptied into the city’s sewers.

What happened last week?

Last Thursday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department shared the following timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance:

Saturday, Jan. 31

• 5:32 p.m. — Nancy takes an Uber to her daughter Annie Guthrie’s nearby home for dinner

• 9:48 p.m. — Nancy’s family drops her off at home and the garage door opens

• 9:50 p.m. — The garage door closes

Sunday, Feb. 1

• 1:47 a.m. — The doorbell camera disconnects

• 2:12 a.m. — Software detects a person or animal on camera, but no video is available

• 2:28 a.m. — Nancy’s pacemaker app disconnects from her phone

• 11:56 a.m. — Nancy’s family goes to the home to check on her after receiving a call that she was not at mass that morning, an unusual occurrence

• 12:03 p.m. — Nancy’s family places a 911 call to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department to report her missing

• 12:15 p.m. — Authorities arrive at Nancy’s home

Last week, FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke announced a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie “and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.”

The sheriff’s department said it would not hold any more press briefings unless there’s a significant development in the case.