Investigators in the US state of Arizona presume the missing elderly mother of television journalist Savannah Guthrie, abducted from her home days ago, is "still out there" alive but no suspect has been identified, officials say.
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Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on January 31 when she was dropped off at her residence near Tucson by family members after having dinner with them, and she was reported missing the following afternoon, authorities have said.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said the elder Guthrie had limited mobility and could not have left her home unassisted, and that her disappearance was being treated by investigators as a kidnapping.
Five days into the search, investigators have not yet obtained proof of life, Nanos said at the outset of a news conference on Thursday but "Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home."
Asked whether that meant that her death could be ruled out as a possibility, the sheriff added, "Until we know, she's out there, she's alive".
FBI special agent Heith Janke said a purported ransom letter sent to various media outlets this week was under examination and was being taken seriously but he said there has been no further communication from anyone claiming to hold Guthrie.
A separate supposed ransom letter was determined to be "an imposter" note and a person has been arrested in connection with that note, Janke said.
Nanos also confirmed reports that DNA tests have determined that blood found on the doorsteps at the entrance of the home came from Guthrie.
Among other concerns for Nancy Guthrie's wellbeing was that her frail health was dependent on daily medication, according to Nanos.
Her daughter, co-anchor of NBC's morning news show Today since 2012, posted an online video on Wednesday pleading for her mother's safe return and appealing to whoever might have been holding her to open a line of communication with the family.
"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," the 54-year-old TV anchor said in the video message posted to Instagram.
The presumed kidnapping of the elderly mother of a well-known television news personality has drawn intense media attention.
US President Donald Trump said on his Truth Social platform on Wednesday that he had spoken with Savannah Guthrie to let her know that all federal law enforcement would be at the "complete disposal" of the family and local investigators.
Australian Associated Press
