Donald Trump has reiterated his stance on the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC presenter Savannah Guthrie, vowing to seek the death penalty for those responsible if she was killed. The former president made the comments following a new investigation that revealed ransom notes sent after her disappearance.
Ransom notes detail Guthrie's fate
Earlier this week, it was disclosed that a series of ransom notes from Nancy's alleged kidnappers, sent hours after she was reported missing on February 1, were discovered. One note claimed she died soon after being taken from her home in Arizona. The first ransom note demanded $4 million (approximately £3 million) in Bitcoin, with a deadline of February 5, after which the amount would rise to $6 million (about £4.5 million).
Investigators found the message credible due to accurate details, including a description of Nancy's clothes and a broken light at her home, according to a report in Air Mail. The alleged kidnappers described Nancy as 'safe but scared' in a note sent before the deadline. However, investigators reportedly sent only $152 in an attempt to track the money.
Trump's involvement and promises
In February, Trump called Savannah Guthrie to offer support and directed 'ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY.' He stated that the consequences for the kidnappers would be 'very, very severe — the most severe' if they killed the older Guthrie. Now, following the latest update, he told the media: 'I hope they find her. I mean, Savannah's gone through a rough — that family's gone through hell. I hope they find her.'
Family's plea for help
Yesterday, Savannah Guthrie broke down in tears live on air while discussing the case, begging viewers to come forward with information. 'I love you guys, and I love this place,' she said, wiping away tears. 'This is unusual and unprecedented — to say the least — to be sitting here. But I can't pretend I'm not here. And so since I am, I wanted to just take the opportunity to ask people, really to beg people, to come forward. Somebody knows something.' The family has offered a $1 million reward for information, which can be provided anonymously.
Investigation progress
Speaking on Friday, Trump said he thinks 'progress has been made' in the investigation. Surveillance footage from Nancy's home showed a gloved and masked man in a balaclava approaching the house at 1:47 a.m. on February 1, after which the doorbell camera was disconnected. No suspects have been named, but police are focusing on the series of ransom notes sent after her disappearance.
