TUCSON, Ariz.
In a public appeal, Savannah Guthrie told her mother’s potential kidnappers Saturday that the family is prepared to pay for her safe return, as a frantic search for the 84-year-old Arizona resident entered its seventh day.
The “Today” show host, flanked by her siblings in a video posted on social media, said the family had received a message from those holding Nancy Guthrie.
“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” she said. “This is the only way we will have peace.
This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
The plea references a message sent Friday afternoon to Tucson-based television station KOLD, according to Kevin Smith, a spokesperson for the FBI’s Phoenix office.
KOLD confirmed it received an email related to the case but declined to share details as the FBI investigates.
The station was among several news outlets that received alleged ransom letters this week.
At least one letter made monetary demands and set Thursday evening and the following Monday evening as deadlines.
By James Kisoo
