Search continues for Nancy Guthrie as authorities seek leads to find suspects

William Brangham:

In the day's other news: The search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today Show" anchor Savannah Guthrie, continued for a fifth day.

Authorities believe she's been kidnapped and remains alive, but there are no current suspects.

As Stephanie Sy reports, the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and for any information leading to arrests and convictions in this case.

Savannah Guthrie, Co-Host, "The Today Show": Our mom is our heart and our home.

Stephanie Sy:

Last night, a heart-wrenching statement and a public plea.

Savannah Guthrie:

We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her.

Stephanie Sy:

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, Annie and Camron, addressing their mother's kidnapper after police say 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona, against her will.

Chris Nanos, Pima County, Arizona, Sheriff:

We believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home.

Stephanie Sy:

Today, the Pima County sheriff said they have not identified any suspects. The FBI confirmed they're looking into a ransom letter that was sent to news media.

Heith Janke, FBI Special Agent in Charge: 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.

Stephanie Sy:

It's by far the most significant update in the case after long days of searching. Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night after dinner with her family. They dropped her off at home in Tucson's Catalina Foothills, where she lives by herself.

She was reported missing 14 hours later, when she didn't show up to church. Guthrie has limited mobility, a pacemaker, and, adding to the urgency, relies on daily medication. This

Heith Janke:

This is an 84-year-old grandma that needs vital medication for her well-being. You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you.

Stephanie Sy:

Law enforcement has been speaking to residents and trying to obtain any video footage available from neighbors.

Tom Pew, Catalina Foothills Association:

It's a high desert, Sonoran Desert, and there are a lot of trees, and saguaros, and native vegetation. So these door cameras really only work around the door of the house. If you're trying to use a door camera to see someplace else, there's things that block that view. So...

Stephanie Sy:

Tom Pew has lived in the Catalina Foothills community for 50 years.

Tom Pew:

People often know their neighbors and see them on the road. People walk their dogs. And I don't think the neighborhood is -- it's not the least bit dangerous. It does not feel dangerous.

Man:

We pray for our sister Nancy.

Stephanie Sy:

As the investigation continues, prayers are echoing at church vigils from Tucson to New York City. President Trump has called Savannah Guthrie, pledging to deploy more federal resources. And while authorities have not found proof of life, they are working on the assumption that Nancy Guthrie may yet be brought home.

For the "PBS News Hour," I'm Stephanie Sy in Phoenix.

Savannah Guthrie:

We love you, Mom.