US television presenter Savannah Guthrie has appealed for the safe return of her missing mother, saying her family is willing to pay after receiving a message linked to the case.
In a video posted on Instagram, Guthrie appeared alongside her siblings and asked those responsible to bring their mother home.
“We beg you now to return our mother to us,” she said. “This is very valuable to us – and we will pay.”
Her mother, Nancy Guthrie, disappeared from her home in Tucson, Arizona, in the early hours of last weekend. Authorities believe she was taken against her will.
She was reported missing after failing to attend a church service on 1 February, prompting concern from fellow members.
Investigators say a doorbell camera at her home was disconnected and removed during the night. At around 02:28 local time, an app linked to her pacemaker was also disconnected from her phone.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is offering a reward of $50,000 (£36,000) for information leading to her recovery.
FBI Special Agent Heith Janke said investigators were examining a possible ransom note sent to several media organisations. He said the message contained details about a deadline and a financial demand.
US media outlets, including TMZ, have reported that some messages demanded large sums in cryptocurrency, which is often difficult to trace.
A local CBS affiliate confirmed receiving a message linked to the case but did not disclose its contents.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office said it had not yet identified a suspect and that no person of interest had been named.
Authorities have warned that Nancy Guthrie may be at serious risk without her medication.
In a previous appeal, Savannah Guthrie said: “She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.”
Investigators have returned to Nancy Guthrie’s home and to the residence of her daughter, Annie, as part of follow-up enquiries.
One person has been arrested in connection with a fake ransom note, but police said the individual is not believed to be responsible for the disappearance.
US President Donald Trump said last week that he had spoken to Guthrie and offered federal support.
Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators were working on the assumption that Nancy Guthrie was still alive.
“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home,” he said.
Savannah Guthrie, 54, has been a co-anchor of Today on NBC News since 2012 and is also the network’s chief legal correspondent.
Her family has released several public appeals, asking for proof that Nancy Guthrie is alive and urging those responsible to make contact.
Police and federal authorities have said the investigation remains active and that all lines of enquiry are being pursued.