Authorities Acknowledge "New Communication" in Nancy Guthrie's Case

Local and federal law enforcement officials confirmed Friday that they are "aware of a new communication" concerning the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie. The investigation remains active as authorities continue their efforts to locate her.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department stated on social media, "Investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity." The FBI echoed this sentiment in a similar post, though details regarding the nature of the message remain undisclosed.

Shortly after 4 p.m. local time on Friday, the sheriff's department announced that investigators were "conducting follow-up" at Nancy Guthrie's residence and in nearby areas. Access to the road in front of her home has been restricted as part of the investigation.

Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie is "still out there," following her family's report of her disappearance on Sunday. They became concerned when she failed to return home after not attending church that morning.

This week, local officials confirmed that blood found outside Nancy Guthrie's home belongs to her. Despite this finding, the sheriff's department has not identified any suspects or persons of interest, treating her disappearance as a criminal matter.

The FBI has announced a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's recovery or the arrest and conviction of those involved in her disappearance. A ransom note, which investigators are taking seriously, included a deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday. According to Heith Janke, the special agent in charge of the FBI's Phoenix field office, the note demanded payment in bitcoin and indicated that if payment was not made, a second demand would follow next Monday.

In a heartfelt video released Wednesday night, Savannah Guthrie appeared alongside her siblings, Camron and Annie Guthrie, expressing their desire for communication regarding their mother's well-being. "We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us," Savannah implored.

Camron Guthrie also made an emotional appeal on social media Thursday, urging whoever may be holding their mother to come forward: "Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you."

The search for Nancy Guthrie continues as authorities work diligently to uncover more information about her whereabouts and ensure her safe return.