Savannah Guthrie’s latest video begging for help to find her missing mother has stunned viewers — and, according to one former FBI special agent, it may signal that investigators are no closer to finding answers.
The TODAY host opened up about her family’s “hour of desperation” as they continue searching for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who vanished on February 1. But what really raised eyebrows was Savannah’s tone — and what it suggests about what’s happening behind the scenes.
Unlike earlier family videos that appeared carefully guided by investigators, Savannah’s new plea was raw and personal. Former CIA officer and FBI special agent Tracy Walder told RadarOnline.com that Guthrie didn’t seem to be reading from anything prepared.
“She doesn’t appear to be reading from a script,” Walder said. “It is truly an off-the-cuff video. I think it points to the fact that they really and truly may not have a suspect.”
Walder also noted that Savannah’s emotional delivery — and her willingness to speak publicly without FBI coordination — suggests she may be acting out of frustration as the investigation hits a standstill.
Local outlet KGUN9 reported that the family received ransom notes demanding $6 million in bitcoin by Monday, February 9 at 5 p.m. MT. Walder said the tone of Savannah’s video could mean she believes the threats are real.
“She knows there is a deadline and she’s desperate,” Walder explained. “Her doing it alone suggests she was like, ‘OK, the FBI is not here. I’m going to go ahead and make a video and appeal to America.’”
A bitcoin wallet was set up for the alleged kidnappers — but so far, it has no activity.
Savannah, along with her siblings Annie and Camron, previously appeared together in more measured messages that seemed crafted in cooperation with investigators. But this time, Savannah spoke solo.
Walder believes the shift signals deep concern: “What seems to be the most logical is she decided, ‘I just need to say something now. I can’t keep waiting.’”
On Saturday, Savannah and her siblings publicly agreed to pay the ransom, telling the alleged captors: “We beg you now to return our mother to us. This is the only way we will have peace.”
Nancy was last seen on January 31 after having dinner with her daughter Annie and Annie’s husband, Tommaso Cioni. He later dropped Nancy off — and she hasn’t been seen since.
Over the weekend, authorities searched Annie and Cioni’s Tucson home late into the night, photographing the property until about 10:30 p.m. MT.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation is ongoing, adding that no suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles have been identified.
As the search approaches the two-week mark, Savannah’s emotional plea underscores the heartbreaking reality: her family may be running out of time — and answers.
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