TV host's 84-year-old mother missing in suspected kidnapping, bitcoin ransom demand

The 84-year-old mother of NBC "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie has been reported missing in Arizona in a suspected kidnapping, with reports of a multimillion-dollar bitcoin ransom demand.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Tucson between 9.30pm and 9.45pm on January 31. She was reported missing the next day after missing church. She lives alone, is of sound mind but has limited mobility, and requires daily medication, which was left behind along with her phone, wallet, and car.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said on February 2 that evidence suggests she may have been forcibly taken from her bed, noting she cannot walk more than about 45 meters unaided. The front door security camera was found without its lens.

+1

Media outlets TMZ and KOLD 13 News reported receiving ransom notes on Tuesday related to the case. TMZ's note demanded payment in bitcoin worth millions of dollars, set a deadline, and included undisclosed case details. Both outlets said they provided the notes to authorities.

President Donald Trump, who has publicly clashed with Savannah Guthrie, called the case "very unusual" and said he would contact her and look into it.

Guthrie has taken leave from her show. In a family statement, she thanked the public for support and police for their efforts, urging anyone with information to contact the sheriff's office.