Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, went missing and investigators found signs of forced entry at her Arizona home. The 84-year-old is believed to have been taken against her will, Associated Press reported.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, in the press conference, said “If she’s alive right now, her meds are vital. I can’t stress that enough. It’s been better than 24 hours, and the family tells us if she doesn’t have those meds, it can become fatal,” urging whoever had her to let her go.
Investigators have found evidence showing it was a nighttime kidnapping, as per AP. Here’s what to know about her motive.
Nancy Guthrie kidnapping motive
Investigators do not believe the kidnapping to be linked to a robbery, home invasion, or kidnapping-for-ransom, as per AP. However, the true reason why Nancy Guthrie was taken remains a mystery for now.
Some of her personal items like cellphone, wallet, and car were left behind after her vanishing. Investigators are now checking surveillance video from homes nearby and working on analyzing data from cellphone towers. Cops are reportedly also checking information from license plate cameras in the area, the agency further noted.
Guthrie was last seen on Saturday night and reported missing on Sunday. Savannah said in a statement, urging people to “raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. Bring her home.”
White House issues statement
Meanwhile, the White House has taken cognizance of the disappearance and issued a statement.
“The search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie, is ongoing, and authorities are requesting assistance from the public. Anyone with information is urged to contact 911. Our prayers are with the Guthrie family as we hope for Nancy’s safe return home,” the statement read.