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

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.

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]).

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.”

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.

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.

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.