Police were seen searching a septic tank behind Nancy Guthrie’s home on Sunday as the desperate hunt for the 84-year-old continues.
Drone footage shows three officers opening a manhole in the backyard and inserting a long pole inside.
However, the septic tank search came up empty. No additional information has been released about what exactly they were looking for.
According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, officers will remain on Nancy’s property at all times for security purposes.
The investigation into Nancy’s disappearance has taken a grim turn as it enters its eighth day. On Saturday evening, a weary and distraught Savannah took to social media with another emotional plea to the alleged captors, also offering to pay the requested ransom. Tucson ABC affiliate KGUN9 reported that the potential kidnappers demanded the Guthrie family pay $6 million in bitcoin by the deadline of Monday, February 9 at 5 p.m. MT.
“We received your message and we understand,” the “Today” anchor said, alongside her brother Camron and sister Annie.
“We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. She is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
Former CIA officer and FBI special agent Tracy Walder told Page Six that the message felt “very contrived” and “scripted.”
She noted the use of coded language is unusual. “The word ‘celebrate’ could imply a memorial or funeral, but it could also suggest a party when she comes home,” Walder said. “Are we paying for a body or a living person?”
Nancy was last seen on January 31 by Annie’s husband, Tommaso Cioni, who dropped her off after dinner with his wife.
Authorities were spotted conducting a late-night search of Annie and Cioni’s home on Saturday, reportedly taking photographs until around 10:30 p.m. MT.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department told Page Six on Sunday: “This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Detectives and agents continue to follow leads at multiple locations.
“Details of those actions are not being released at this time. Investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to this case.”
Gayle King told Page Six that the entire broadcast community is rallying behind Savannah.
“We are competitors, but when it comes to a story like this, there are no barriers. Everyone is praying and hoping for a positive outcome,” said the “CBS Mornings” host during an event in San Francisco.
“This is a very strange and unsettling case, and there are still so many questions. Let’s hope whoever knows something speaks up now,” she added.
