As the urgent search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, enters its fifth day, the FBI said it is now jointly investigating the case and has made an arrest in an "imposter" ransom demand.
Nancy Guthrie is believed to have beenabducted in her sleep from her Arizona homeearly Sunday, authorities said. No suspect or person of interest has been identified in the case, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said during a press briefing on Thursday.
"Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there," Nanos said. "We want her home."
The FBI announced Thursday it is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
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Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills area, north of Tucson, on Saturday night, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department. She was dropped off home shortly before 10 p.m. after having dinner with her family, he said. Her family reported her missing on Sunday around noon local time after she failed to show up to church, authorities said.
Nanos provided new details of activity after Nancy Guthrie was last seen. At approximately 1:47 a.m. Sunday, the doorbell camera at her home disconnected and authorities do not have it in their possession, he said. At 2:28, her pacemaker app "shows that it was a disconnect from the phone," he said.
Nanos confirmed Nancy Guthrie's blood was found on her porch. He did not confirm if any cameras were smashed or destroyed around the house, or if there was any forced entry.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings made anemotional pleafor their mother's return in a video message posted to social media on Wednesday.
"Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere," Savannah Guthrie said in thevideo message. "We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again."
Nancy Guthrie is described as having some physical ailments and limited mobility, but does not have cognitive issues, according to the sheriff. She takes medication that if she doesn't have in 24 hours, "it could be fatal," Nanos said.
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"Our mom is our heart and our home," Savannah Guthrie said in the video. "She is 84 years old, her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer."
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The sheriff's department said it is reviewing possible ransom notes as part of the investigation. ABC Tucson affiliate KGUN said it received one of the letters, which it forwarded to law enforcement. Officials have said they are investigating if any of these letters are legitimate.
Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI's Phoenix office, said one arrest has been made related to an "imposter ransom demand," with a complaint set to be presented to a judge later Thursday.
"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.
Regarding the ransom letter sent to the local media, Janke said the FBI takes any ransom note seriously, and noted that any action is ultimately decided by the family.
Addressing reports of a ransom letter, Savannah Guthrie said Wednesday, "As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. 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 FBI said Thursday it is now jointly investigating the case with the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
The agency is sending additional agents and experts to Pima County to help reinforce efforts on the ground and to aid local investigators, sources told ABC News on Wednesday.
Nanos said earlier this week that investigators were waiting to get surveillance footage from the home's security cameras from the companies that own them.
A Google spokesperson confirmed to ABC News on Thursday that the company, which is behind Nest home security cameras, is assisting law enforcement in the investigation. The spokesperson declined to elaborate, citing the ongoing investigation.
Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or the Pima County Sheriff's Department at 520-351-4900.
