Context:

Authorities are conducting a search of a septic tank at Nancy Guthrie's Arizona home over a week after her disappearance on January 31. The 84-year-old, mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen after dinner with her daughter Annie, leading to concerns from law enforcement that she may have been taken. A ransom letter demanding $6 million in bitcoin was allegedly sent to media outlets, though its authenticity remains unverified. Despite ongoing investigations by local and federal agencies, no major leads or suspects have emerged, prompting her children to appeal publicly for her safe return.

Dive Deeper:

• Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, after dinner with her daughter Annie and was reported missing the next day when she failed to attend church. Authorities believe she may have been taken after falling asleep at home.

• On February 2, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos indicated that there were unusual circumstances surrounding her disappearance, necessitating both search-and-rescue and homicide investigation teams to be deployed.

• Drone footage showed investigators probing the septic tank behind Nancy's residence on February 8, but the reasons for this search remain unclear.

• An alleged ransom note was sent demanding $6 million in bitcoin, with a deadline of February 9, though law enforcement has not confirmed its legitimacy.

• On February 7, Nancy's children publicly expressed their willingness to cooperate with the alleged kidnappers in a tearful Instagram video, emphasizing the urgency of their mother's safe return.

• Law enforcement continues to follow leads, but as of the latest updates, there have been no major breakthroughs, suspects, or vehicles identified in the case.