«Bring Her Home»: Savannah Guthrie in Tears Begs Kidnappers
As reported by media, Savannah Guthrie, co-host of a morning show, published an emotional video appeal late on the evening of February 4, four days after her 84-year-old mother Nancy was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona. In the video, she was joined by her brother and sister.
«On behalf of our family, we want to thank everyone for their prayers for our beloved mother, Nancy,» Guthrie said. «We feel them and continue to believe that she feels them too.» She begged the kidnappers: «Bring her home.»
With tears in her eyes, Savannah described her mother as «a kind, faithful, devoted, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. She is cheerful, energetic, and intelligent. She has grandchildren who adore her... She loves fun and adventure. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her, and you will see.»
Savannah«s sister Annie, addressing those who might have taken their mother, said: «The light has gone out of our lives. Nancy is our mother. We are her children. She is our beacon. She holds on to joy in all circumstances.» While Savannah openly cried, Annie spoke directly to their mother: «We are just ordinary people who need their mom. Mom, Mom, if you can hear this. We need you to come home. We miss you.»
Savannah confirmed her mother«s health problems, imploring them not to let her «suffer.» «Our mother is 84 years old. Her health, her heart are fragile. She lives in constant pain,» the host said. «She has no medication. She needs it to survive. She needs it to avoid agony.» According to authorities, if Nancy goes without her regular medication for more than 24 hours, it could be fatal.
Savannah also noted that local news outlets and some tabloids had received what appeared to be ransom notes. They demanded a sum in millions of bitcoins to be transferred to a verified account, «or else.» The notes were turned over to authorities, but their authenticity has not been confirmed.
«We too have heard reports of a ransom letter,» Guthrie acknowledged. «As a family, we are doing everything we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily faked.» She begged the kidnappers: «We need to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that she is alive and that she is with you. We want to hear from you and are ready to listen. Please contact us.»
Savannah also directly addressed her mother, speaking of their shared faith: «Mom, if you can hear this, you are a strong woman. You are a precious daughter of God. We believe and know that even in this valley, He is with you. Everyone is looking for you, Mom, everywhere. Your children will not rest until we are together again. We speak to you every moment, we pray unceasingly, and we look forward to the day we hold you again.»
Savannah«s brother Cameron, a former military pilot who flew to Tucson from his home in Vermont, spoke only once at the end of the video: «We love you, Mom, be strong.»
According to local authorities, Nancy was taken from her home against her will between 9:30 p.m. on January 31, when a relative dropped her off, and noon the next day, when police arrived and found signs that led them to declare the scene a «crime scene.» On Tuesday, February 3, bloodstains were still visible on the porch tiles in front of the door. Police ask the public for any information on Nancy«s whereabouts and report that they have no suspects or persons of interest in her disappearance.
