Donald Trump is speaking out on the latest update regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
Nancy, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen after being dropped off at her Tucson, Ariz., home on the evening of Jan. 31. Just days after Nancy’s disappearance, two ransom notes were sent, with the first demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin in exchange for Nancy’s return.
The reported second note claimed that Nancy had died, according to Tucson television station KOLD News 13, which said it received both messages.
Trump was asked about the latest update and if there is any hope investigators will find her while speaking with the press on Tuesday, June 23.
“I hope they find her,” Trump said in a clip published by Scripps News. “I mean, Savannah’s gone through a rough — that family’s gone through hell. I hope they find her.”
The second note did not include an apology or a request for payment for the release of Nancy’s body, NBC News reported on Monday, June 22, citing three people familiar with the matter.
The message reportedly expressed regret over her death, according to new reports from CNN and NBC News, citing sources familiar with the investigation. It said that Nancy’s death was unintentional, CNN, citing law enforcement sources, reported.
Earlier Tuesday, Savannah shared an emotional plea surrounding her mother’s investigation.
During a live Today show broadcast, co-host Craig Melvin shared a news update on the case before commending Savannah for her “bravery and courage.”
“I love you guys, and I love this place,” Savannah, 54, said as she wiped away tears. “This is unusual and unprecedented — to say the least — to be sitting here.”
“But I can’t pretend I’m not here,” she continued. “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.”
Reflecting on how the case has impacted her sister, Annie, and brother, Camron, Savannah said, “This is a new story that today is on your radar, but this is the life that my sister lives, that I live, that my brother lives, that our extended families live, that our children live every day. And we are in agony and we cannot be at peace.”
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She went on to speak about the reality of returning to the Today show amid the ongoing investigation.
“So no matter how much I try to come out here every day and to smile and find that joy — and I will, I promise I will — this is a moment to tell you that we need your help. We’re begging for your help. And I’m not gonna miss that opportunity.”
Savannah concluded by telling viewers that the $1 million reward is still offered for any information on Nancy’s whereabouts.
“So please, if you’re watching, no matter how small, the reward is there,” she said. “You can tell us. It can be anonymous. Please do the right thing for us, for our family, for our children. We love our mom, and we’ll never stop looking for her ever.”
