Sheriff says investigators are aware of ‘new message’ about Savannah Guthrie’s mom as search continues: Live updates

Nancy Guthrie’s blood was found on the porch of her home, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters Thursday.

“I think you all know the blood on the porch. ... It came back to Nancy, that's what we know. But there's still more items that have been submitted,” he said.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided reporters with an updated timeline on Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

Nancy arrived at a family member’s home for dinner shortly after 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Investigators believe she returned home around 9:45 p.m. that evening.

Then, Nancy’s doorbell camera disconnected early Sunday.

“Sunday morning, early morning at 1:47 a.m., the doorbell camera disconnects,” Nanos said. “At 2:12 a.m., software detects a person on a camera, but there's no video available.”

At 2:28 a.m., “Nancy's pacemaker app shows that it was a disconnect from the phone,” Nanos added.

Heith Janke, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix office, told reporters his office is aware of reports of ransom notes.

“As with every lead, we are taking it seriously. We are in communication with the family, and while we advise and recommend, from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family,” he said.

Authorities have also made an arrest related to an imposter ransom demand.

“My next message is to those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation, we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” he said.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos was asked if authorities have received any proof that Nancy Guthrie is still alive.

“Anything to deal with the ransom notes, I would defer to the FBI, but no, to my knowledge, we're still looking for Nancy,” he replied.

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a video Wednesday evening asking their mother’s potential kidnapper for proof she’s still alive.

When asked if investigators have ruled out anyone Nancy Guthrie was with the night she vanished, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he “wouldn’t say anybody’s ruled out yet.”

Nanos explained that investigators also haven’t identified any suspects.

“Nobody's eliminated, but we just really don't have enough to say this is our suspect ... We just don't know that. And it's really kind of reckless to report that someone is a suspect when they could very well be a victim,” he said.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said “everybody’s still a suspect” in investigators’ eyes.

“That's just how we look at things and think as cops. Does that mean we have a prime suspect? No, and the family has been very cooperative, they've done everything we've asked of them, and we want that relationship to continue,” he told reporters Thursday.

FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke spoke directly to Nancy Guthrie’s potential kidnapper at a press conference Thursday.

“The family wants to be contacted. They know time is of the essence. And if those that may have Nancy are watching this, the family is ready to talk, get proof of life, because there has been no contact after that ransom note went to the media,” he said.

Heith Janke, the special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix office, said his team is investigating a ransom note that listed a deadline of 5 p.m. today.

The note listed a second deadline for next Monday, he said.

“The ransom note that was distributed to the media did make a demand for 5 p.m. today, and if a transfer wasn't made, then I think a second demand was for next Monday,” Janke explained.

Janke noted there has been “no proof of life, and there were no other demands within that letter.”

”They're still waiting for communication,” he said.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke hosted a press conference today to update the public on the search for Nancy Guthrie.

Here’s what we learned:

• Investigators believe “Nancy is still out there,” according to Nanos.
• Police have not identified any suspects or persons of interest.
• Investigators are looking into a ransom note that was sent to media outlets. The note listed an initial deadline of 5 p.m. Thursday, along with a second deadline next Monday, Janke said.
• There has been ”no contact” since the letter was sent, and “no proof of life,” according to Janke.
• Blood previously found on Nancy’s porch was identified as hers, Nanos said.
• Nancy’s doorbell camera disconnected Sunday morning around 1:47 a.m, and at 2:12 a.m., “software detected a person on camera,” Nanos said. Less than 20 minutes later, Nancy’s pacemaker app disconnected from her phone.