Savannah Guthrie Sends New Message to Captors “We Will Pay” as Search for Her Mother Nancy Enters Week Two| Crime Alert 6AM 02.09.26

Summary

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Crime Stories with Nancy Grace

Episode: Savannah Guthrie Sends New Message to Captors “We Will Pay” as Search for Her Mother Nancy Enters Week Two | Crime Alert 6AM 02.09.26
Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Nancy Grace

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Overview

This episode centers on the intensifying investigation into the disappearance and suspected kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. As the ransom deadline looms and law enforcement activity increases, her family—particularly daughter Savannah Guthrie—urges the captors for her safe release, pledging to pay. The episode also covers a high-profile child sex abuse indictment against actor Timothy Buzzfield and the ongoing search for Nicole Anderson, missing from Minnesota.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie & Ransom Note Developments

Escalating Search Efforts

• Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing for nine days (since January 31, 2026).
• Police maintain a strong presence at her residence in the Catalina foothills (Pima County) for security ([00:04]).
• Over the weekend, law enforcement shifted focus to the property itself, searching the septic tank and probing a manhole behind the house ([00:22]), but authorities remain tight-lipped on findings.

Increased Police Activity

• Investigators spent hours at daughter Annie Guthrie’s home, taking photographs and removing items ([00:41]).
• This flurry of action coincides with a ransom deadline, set for 5pm today, as stated in an alleged ransom note sent to Tucson media. The note demands multi-million-dollar payment in Bitcoin. The authenticity remains unconfirmed ([00:58]).

Impostor and Community Involvement

• Authorities arrested a separate individual earlier in the week for an impostor ransom call ([01:19]).
• A tip line has been established, and a $50,000 reward is offered for leads on Nancy’s location or on the suspects ([02:29]).

Family’s Emotional Plea

• Savannah Guthrie, with her siblings Annie and Cameron, directly addressed potential captors in a third social media video—offering to pay the ransom ([01:35]):
  • Notable Quote (Savannah Guthrie, [01:54]):

    “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 the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will obey.”

• Health concerns are acute for Nancy, who requires a pacemaker and heart medication ([02:12]).

2. Legal Update: Actor Timothy Buzzfield Indicted

• Timothy Buzzfield has been indicted on four counts of child sex abuse by a New Mexico grand jury ([03:06]).
• Allegations involve abuse of two child actors on the set of “The Cleaning Lady” between 2022 and 2024.
• Buzzfield, also a director on the show, vehemently denies accusations.
  • Notable Quote (Buzzfield’s Attorney, Larry Stein, [04:24]):

    “The detention hearing revealed significant flaws... gaps that no amount of prosecutorial decisions can rectify... motivated by factors beyond the actual facts or legal principles.”

• Buzzfield is now removed from upcoming show episodes and claims retaliation is the motive ([05:05]).

3. Missing Person Case: Nicole Anderson

• Nicole Anderson, 56, of Randolph Township, MN, disappeared July 6 after walking to check the mail ([05:14]).
• Searches with drones and dogs yielded no clues; personal effects and medication left behind suggest foul play.
• Key details: Last seen wearing a gray sweater, camo pants, house slippers. Height 5'10", pixie-cut blonde hair, brown eyes ([05:47]).
• Unknown man posing as a woodcutter was seen in her yard days before the disappearance.
• Community urged to contact Dakota County Sheriff’s Office with information ([05:53]).

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Savannah Guthrie’s Direct Message to Captors ([01:54]):

  “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will obey.”

• Larry Stein (Buzzfield’s Attorney) on Legal Flaws ([04:24]):

  “The detention hearing revealed significant flaws state's evidence gaps that no amount of prosecutorial decisions can rectify... motivated by factors beyond the actual facts or legal principles.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:00] - Crime news headline introduction with Nancy Grace.
• [00:04] - Nicole Parton reports on Nancy Guthrie's case and ransom update.
• [01:35] - Guthrie family’s public plea—Savannah’s message.
• [02:12] - Health concerns for Nancy and investigation timeline.
• [03:06] - Timothy Buzzfield’s indictment and attorney’s statement.
• [05:14] - Nicole Anderson's disappearance—facts and public plea.

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Tone and Delivery

The episode maintains Nancy Grace's signature urgency and empathy for victims, focusing on both the emotional appeals from families and the hard details of each criminal investigation. The reporting is brisk, fact-driven, and underpinned by a sincere call for public assistance in ongoing cases.

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Conclusion

This episode delivers a powerful mix of breaking crime news and heartfelt appeals—highlighting the Guthrie family’s agony and resolve, the nuances of prosecution in a high-profile abuse case, and a chilling missing persons investigation. Nancy Grace’s consistent call for listener involvement and justice is woven throughout, inviting the public to actively assist and remain vigilant.

Transcript

[A]

Crime alert. I'm Nancy Grace. Breaking crime news now straight out to Nicole Parton.

[B]

For the latest, Monday marks the ninth day in the search for 84 year old Nancy Guthrie, with the case escalating into a critical investigation as a ransom deadline approaches. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has maintained a steady presence outside Guthrie's residence in the Catalina foothills, with officials indicating that deputies will remain there for the family's security. On February 8, the investigation intensified as authorities focused their efforts on the property itself. Footage from Fox Flight Team 9 captured deputies examining a septic tank behind the home. Investigators were seen probing a manhole at the back of the property with a pole, though officials have not revealed what they were searching for or whether any evidence was found. This search followed a busy weekend of law enforcement activity during which investigators spent several hours at the home of Guthrie's daughter Annie. Witnesses reported seeing flashes of light within the house, suggesting that photographs were being taken and investigators later left with various items. This increase in activity comes as a deadline mentioned in an alleged ransom note approaches set for 5pm today. The note, sent to a local Tucson news station, reportedly demanded millions of dollars in bitcoin. While authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the note, one person has already been arrested for a separate impostor ransom call earlier this week. In a third video shared on social media Saturday night, Savannah Guthrie, along with her siblings Annie and Cameron, addressed potential captors directly, with Savannah saying, we will pay.

[A]

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 the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will obey.

[B]

Savannah's mother, Nancy, who relies on a pacemaker and daily heart medication, was last seen on January 31 and was reported missing the following day after her family learned she had not attended church. Sheriff Chris Nos has released a timeline outlining the events surrounding Guthrie's disappearance and anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800- call FBI. A tip line has also been established for community members to provide leads. A reward of up to $50,000 is being offered for information that leads to Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts and or the arrest and conviction of those involved. Nancy, we will keep you posted as this case continues to unfold throughout the day.

[A]

Nicole, thank you. More crime and justice news after this.

[B]

A grand jury in New Mexico has formally charged actor Timothy Buzzfield with child sex abuse offenses as announced by the Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bergman on Friday. Buzzfield is facing four counts related to criminal sexual acts with a minor. The Special Victims Unit of the county District Attorney's office will handle the prosecution, highlighting the importance of prioritizing child protection in their efforts. The indictment issued on February 6 follows Buzzfield's recent arrest linked to allegations of abuse involving minors. These charges are associated with his involvement in the television series the Cleaning Lady. According to prosecutors, between late 2022 and early 2024, Buzzfield allegedly engaged in abusive behavior towards two young actors, ages 7 and 8 at the time while while they worked on the series. In addition to acting, Buzzfield has also held the role of director for the show. He has denied any allegations against him. The indictment was anticipated. They are saying that a grand jury will indict a ham sandwich. What is particularly troubling is that the district attorney is moving forward with a case that lacks a solid foundation and is unlikely to withstand scrutiny in court, stated Larry Stein, Buzzfield's attorney, in a statement. The detention hearing revealed significant flaws state's evidence gaps that no amount of prosecutorial decisions can rectify, he added. This prosecution seems to be motivated by factors beyond the actual facts or legal principles. Mr. Buzzfields intends to contest these charges vigorously at every stage and is eager to challenge the state's case in an open court where evidence carries weight rather than secrecy. Buzzfield's indictment arrives shortly after he was removed from the future episodes of Law and Special. He has consistently asserted his innocence and suggests that the allegations are retaliatory, stemming from the recasting of the two boys involved in the show.

[A]

Nicole Anderson, 56, lives in Randolph Township, Minnesota with her mom. Just before 9am July 6, she tells her mom she's going for a walk to check the mail and will be right back. Half an hour later, she's still not home. Her mom reports her missing. Dakota county sheriff searched the neighborhood with drones and dogs. No sign of Nicole. She left all her belongings and meds at home. Sheriffs interrogate Matthew Suttles, her boyfriend, and search his home, but he is ruled out as a suspect. Nicole's brother says Nicole recently chased off a man claiming to be a woodcutter. She says she found him prowling in her yard, but he has not been identified. Nicole, five'10, 135 pounds, pixie cut, blonde hair, brown eyes Last seen wearing a gray sweater, camouflage pants and house slippers. If you have info on Nicole Anderson, now missing over five weeks, please call Dakota County, Minnesota Sheriff's 651-438-8477 for the latest crime and justice news. Go to crimeonline.com and please join us for our daily podcast, Crime Stories, where we do our best to find missing people, especially children, and help solve unsolved homicides with this crime alert. I'm Nancy Grace.