Federal agents are widening the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, now looping in Mexican authorities, while reviewing a fresh, crypto-based ransom demand. Law enforcement sources tell TMZ the FBI has alerted Mexico’s federal and regional forces amid concern that Guthrie, a resident of Tucson, Arizona, may have been moved across the border, though checks of Border Patrol cameras have turned up nothing so far. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos tells Fox News that authorities don’t believe the mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie crossed the southern border and the coordination is standard practice.
Meanwhile, TMZ says it has received a new, detailed ransom email seeking an amount similar to the earlier $6 million demand, this time using a different cryptocurrency and account number. The email also “graphically describes the consequences if the ransom isn’t paid.” The outlet says it has passed the email to the FBI. Agents warn that fake ransom attempts could bring lengthy federal prison terms.
Agents have so far found no leads from gun shops or retailers that might have sold the gun holster and clothing visible on a suspect observed in footage from Guthrie’s home. A glove found near Guthrie’s home was tested for DNA but failed to turn up a match in an FBI database, per Fox News, which reports advanced DNA testing and investigative genetic genealogy could take weeks or months. However, Nanos said Wednesday that DNA from the suspect may have been found in Guthrie’s home, per the New York Post. The FBI is offering a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie. Separately, 88-CRIME in Arizona has announced a reward of up to $102,500, largely funded by an anonymous $100,000 donation.
