US TV presenter Savannah Guthrie has appealed for the public's help in finding her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for more than a week from her home near Tucson.
The 54-year-old broadcaster said her family had reached "an hour of desperation" in a video message posted on Instagram, urging anyone who notices anything that might be relevant, even outside the local area, to contact law enforcement.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department said on Monday that investigators had not identified any suspects, persons of interest or vehicles linked to the disappearance. The FBI also said it was not aware of any continuing communication between the family and anyone believed to be involved.
Authorities say Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on 31 January after family members dropped her at home following dinner, and she was reported missing the next day. Sheriff Chris Nanos has said she has very limited mobility and could not have left the house without assistance, with investigators treating the case as a suspected abduction.
Police and the FBI are also examining messages described as ransom notes that were sent to news organisations. Investigators have not publicly confirmed the notes are genuine.
Officials also said they have growing concerns about her health because she needs daily medication and has a pacemaker, and has dealt with high blood pressure and heart issues.
DNA tests showed blood on Mrs Guthrie's front porch was a match to her, and her doorbell camera was disconnected in the early hours of Sunday morning, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said.
The FBI has offered a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
Source: Reuters
