Nancy Guthrie's investigation escalates as vehicle towed from Savannah Guthrie family home

Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie have removed a vehicle and surveillance equipment from her Arizona home as law enforcement continues to examine new evidence in the high-profile case.

Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing after failing to attend church on February 1.

Police believe she may have been abducted, and no suspects have been publicly identified.

On Friday evening, investigators towed Nancy’s blue SUV from the garage of her Tucson-area residence. Officials also removed a solar-powered camera from the roof of the home and a white surveillance camera from a nearby structure.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the activity is part of an active investigation, People reported.

“This remains an active and ongoing investigation, which includes the review of multiple pieces of evidence. At this time, we will not confirm or release additional details regarding what is being analysed.”

Former CIA officer and FBI special agent Tracy Walder said recent developments may be connected to an alleged ransom communication tied to the case.

“I believe something in the note sparked them to go back to the home, expand the perimeter and remove the vehicle for further processing,” Ms Walder says.

“Of course, anything digital will help, but to me, it sounds like the garage door never opened or closed again after 9.50pm, so I personally don’t think the car went anywhere. But they will look at historical data.”

The FBI confirmed investigators are reviewing a new message that may be related to Nancy’s disappearance. Tucson outlet KOLD News/News 13 said it forwarded the message — along with associated technical data — to authorities after receiving it earlier in the day.

“Investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity,” officials said.

“While this is one new piece of information, the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department are still asking anyone with tips to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The FBI continues to offer a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.”

At a press briefing, FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke referenced a deadline included in the alleged ransom demand.

“If a transfer wasn’t made, the second demand was for next Monday,” he said.

“I’m not going to go beyond that.”

Family members have publicly appealed for communication from whoever may be responsible. Savannah Guthrie and her siblings issued a direct plea in a social media video.

“We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us,” Savannah said.

Her brother Camron Guthrie added:

“We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward… But first, we have to know that you have our mom. We want to talk to you, and we are waiting for contact.”

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos became emotional discussing the search during an NBC interview.

“You have to have hope. Come on, this is somebody’s mom,” he said.

“We’re gonna find her.”

Support for the Guthrie family has also been expressed publicly by colleagues on the Today show.

“I was thinking this morning, you know when they say, ‘Love is patient. Love is kind.’ We’ll be patient and put prayers up,” Hoda Kotb said.

“It’s just that feeling of helplessness,” Craig Melvin added.

“And we’re not helpless because it’s prayer and hope.”

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing.