Neighbors of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie reported seeing a suspicious unmarked white van parked on the street near her Tucson home in the days before she was reported missing, according to local residents.
Brett McIntire, who lives across from Guthrie, told The New York Post the large white van, which lacked any company markings, stood out from typical vehicles in the neighborhood. McIntire said he reported the sighting to authorities but could not recall the exact dates when the van was present.
“It was somewhere on that street. It was a white van, full-sized, with no printing on the sides. It was parked on the street,” said McIntire, who lives across from Nancy.
“Normally people that are coming to work on your home will have a company vehicle or if they’re independent, something written on it,” the 72-year-old added.
“From now on when I’m going out and about, I’ll have a paper and pen and record anything unusual.”
McIntire’s wife, Lisa, said the sighting has prompted the couple to consider installing security cameras, despite already having what they described as a secure residence.
“Brett and I were talking. And we thought well, we should probably get one,” she told The Post.
“We have a pretty secure residence. Metal doors. I’m kind of a deep sleeper, so it’s unlikely someone could get past one of the metal doors. But we’re a little concerned,” she added.
Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday after family members were unable to locate her at her home in the Catalina Foothills area. Law enforcement officials have treated her disappearance as a criminal investigation. So far, no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified.
Authorities have confirmed a ransom note was received in connection with the case, but the note lacked proof of life and a means of contact, and investigators have not verified its authenticity. During a press conference, police said they hope Guthrie is still alive and are continuing to pursue leads.
Guthrie’s daughter, Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, and her siblings have issued public pleas for their mother’s safe return and urged anyone with information to come forward.
In the video posted to social media, Savannah addressed anyone who may be holding her 84-year-old mother, urging that person or persons to make contact and provide proof that Nancy Guthrie is alive. She said the family has heard media reports of possible ransom demands and stated they are “ready to talk,” but emphasized they need confirmation of her mother’s well-being before engaging.
“Momma, if you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you,” Savannah Guthrie said in the video, which also featured her siblings, who echoed the plea for her mother’s safe return.
“She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses,” Savannah Guthrie said. “She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her, and you’ll see.”
She went on to indicate that she and her family are “ready to talk.”
“However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” she said, adding the family needs proof their mother is alive.
At least three different media outlets—TMZ and the Tucson affiliates of CNN, KOLD and KGUN—reported receiving ransom notes earlier this week. These notes demand millions of dollars in bitcoin for the safe return of Nancy Guthrie.
According to these outlets, the notes contained specific details regarding evidence found in Guthrie’s home, where authorities say she was last seen on Saturday night. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has chosen not to confirm whether the information in the notes aligns with the crime scene but mentioned in an interview with CBS News that investigators did share the notes with Savannah.