Savannah Guthrie posted an emotional 23-second video on Instagram February 4–5, 2026, alongside her siblings Annie and Camron, pleading for the return of her 84-year-old mother Nancy Guthrie after she was abducted from her Tucson home. In the clip, the family described Nancy’s fragile health—her “heart is fragile,” she lives in “constant pain,” and lacks necessary medication—and explicitly stated they would pay a ransom if their mother were returned: “We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

The family’s plea mirrors near-identical language from a 1991 Silence of the Lambs film scene in which Senator Ruth Martin appeals to captors holding her daughter Catherine. Both videos employ identical phrasing: “Talk to her and you’ll see” alongside directives to humanize the victim, emphasize vulnerability, and seek proof of life. FBI Special Agent Heith Janke confirmed the family received guidance from law enforcement before recording their statement, with retired negotiators describing it as “classic FBI tactics.”

Pima County authorities have confirmed Nancy Guthrie’s abduction involved foul play, including blood evidence and a missing security camera, but no suspects have been identified. The family has repeatedly stated they are cooperating with investigators while demanding verification of their mother’s location and condition. Federal officials expanded searches around the Tucson home as the seventh day of the disappearance unfolded without identifying persons of interest.