The mother of the missing TV anchor was found in a “vehicle of interest.”
Police investigating the disappearance of an American TV host’s mother are looking for a vehicle or vehicles linked to her case.
Nancy Guthrie, whose daughter is NBC’s Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, is suspected of being kidnapped.
The 84-year-old woman was last seen at her home near Tucson, Arizona On the evening of Saturday, January 31, a local TV station received two messages that appeared to be related to the case.
One demanded money in exchange for his return and information about his Apple Watch and a floodlight on his property.
On Friday, a spokesperson for convenience store chain Circle K told Sky News’ US partner NBC News that officers “visited one of their stores after receiving a tip regarding a vehicle of interest, and our team has provided them with access to the store’s surveillance video.”
Authorities have not said whether the vehicle or vehicles are connected to any part of the disappearance.
This came after the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department said they were aware of “a new message regarding Nancy Guthrie”.
It is unclear what the message was or whether it was linked to the previously reported notes.
Three officials briefed on the meeting told NBC News that the message was sent to Tucson TV station KOLD.
The FBI is working to confirm whether it came from the same sender as the previously reported ransom note, sources said.
He emphasised that the FBI has not yet verified that the first note came from someone who may have taken Ms Guthrie from her home.
NBC host Savannah Guthrie made an emotional appeal to her mother’s kidnapper.
Ms Guthrie’s children have released two videos appealing to her apparent kidnappers.
On Wednesday, Savannah Guthrie posted a video in which she tearfully pleaded for her mother’s safe return and appealed to the alleged kidnappers to open a line of communication with the family.
On Thursday evening, her son Cameron Guthrie said in a video posted to his sister’s Instagram account: “Whoever is holding our mother, We want to hear from you.”
Nancy Guthrie. Photo: Pima County Sheriff’s Department
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US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One late Friday, he said the investigation into Ms Guthrie’s disappearance was going “very well”.
“We have some leads that I think are very strong,” he said. “We have some things that may come out soon.”
Pam Bondi reacts to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi told reporters earlier Friday that federal officials were assisting Arizona authorities, but she declined to provide details.
“This breaks my heart for Savannah and her family,” he said.
Meanwhile, the sheriff investigating Ms Guthrie’s disappearance said there is growing concern about her condition, as authorities say she needs daily medication.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said, “I think his condition is getting worse every day.
“He needs medication, and I have no way of knowing whether they’re giving him that medication or not.”
According to sheriff’s dispatcher audio on Broadcastify.com, Ms Guthrie was said to have a pacemaker and was suffering from high blood pressure and heart problems.
