[Update] Person Of Interest Detained In Abduction Of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother + Police Say It’s ‘Not A Family Member’

Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie

[Update] Person Of Interest Detained In Abduction Of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother + Police Say It’s ‘Not A Family Member’

A person of interest was taken into custody Tuesday as investigators intensified efforts to locate Nancy Guthrie following her abduction from her Arizona home.

TMZ has confirmed that the individual was detained by the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and is being questioned in connection with the k*dnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mother. A law enforcement source directly involved in the investigation emphasized that the person in custody is “not a member of the Guthrie family.”

Authorities previously told TMZ that their working theory centers on a suspect from the Tucson area who authored the ransom notes sent to two local Tucson television stations as well as TMZ. Investigators believe those messages provide key insight into the kidnapper’s location and movements.

Earlier Tuesday, the FBI released the first images of the apparent abductor, distributing the footage publicly the same day it was obtained in hopes of generating tips. As reported, the suspect claimed Nancy would be returned to Tucson within “12 hours” of receiving a $6 million ransom, suggesting the individual was operating within roughly a 700-mile radius of the city.

Two ransom deadlines outlined in the notes have since passed, despite Savannah Guthrie reportedly attempting to make contact and offering to comply with the demands.

Investigators also confirmed that Tuesday afternoon marked the first observed activity on the Bitcoin account listed in the initial ransom note.