Savannah Guthrie 'Wanted To Post Huge Reward' For Mom Nancy's Return But Was Blocked

After Savannah Guthrie issued a $1 million reward on February 24 for the safe return of her missing mother, sources revealed that she wanted to do so on the very first day of the search. Savannah Guthrie, the Today show host, wanted to announce the reward when the search for Nancy Guthrie began. She was allegedly prevented from doing so by the sheriff leading the case.

Savannah Guthrie posted a video on Instagram on February 26 announcing a $1 million reward. In the video, she said, "We need to know where she is, we need her to come home." Authorities have reported no confirmed leads as the search for the 84-year-old enters its fourth week.

In the Instagram message, Savannah Guthrie, for the very first time, acknowledged that her mother may be dead. She said, "We also know that she may be lost, she may already be gone. She may have already gone home to the lord that she loves."

"But we need to know where she is. We need her to come home. For that reason, we are offering a family reward of $ 1 million for any information that leads us to her recovery," she added.

Savannah Guthrie pleaded directly to anyone who may have information, "If you have been waiting and you haven't been sure, let this be your sign to please come forward," Savannah said in her video.

Michael Ruiz, a reporter for Fox News, said that if Nancy Guthrie had died, the family would accept that outcome but needed confirmation for some closure.

Sources told Ruiz that the Sheriff leading the investigation asked Savannah Guthrie to delay announcing the reward. The family wanted to offer it on the first day itself, but was advised by the law enforcement to wait.

The law enforcement told them that offering a reward so early "might overwhelm the infrastructure set up to field leads, tens of thousands of which have been coming in organically," Ruiz reported.

The claim that law enforcement delayed the reward comes amid criticism of Chris Nanos, Chief of the Pima County Sheriff's Department, who faced allegations that he mishandled the investigation.

Critics allege that Nanos failed to deploy a crucial search-and-rescue aircraft during the initial hours of the search. He also faced allegations of releasing the scene too early and issuing inconsistent public statements.

Since the beginning of the case, authorities have employed different tactics and methods to expand their search efforts. Early on in the investigation, the FBI had speculated that Nancy Guthrie had not walked out of the house, willingly. Considering this, the security footage from the Guthrie residence has been collected and is being investigated thoroughly. Similarly, the security footage from CCTV cameras on the street has also been taken in for investigation.

Authorities have been canvassing the area, searching roadways, and looking for any physical evidence that could provide clues about her whereabouts. A few days back, officers from the county sheriff’s office were seen checking septic tanks too, implying authorities are looking into foul play too.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen in her Arizona home on January 31 and has been reported missing since.