TUCSON, Ariz. (AP) -- A new message has surfaced in the case of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, prompting further investigation by the FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department.
The Pima County Sheriff's Office confirmed the message Friday afternoon, stating that investigators are "actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity." Authorities continue to appeal to the public for any information related to Guthrie's disappearance, urging anyone with tips to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. A reward of up to $50,000 remains in place for information leading to her recovery and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved.
The development comes as the search for Guthrie enters its sixth day. Authorities believe she was taken against her will from her home just outside Tucson over the weekend. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos expressed frustration Friday regarding a disconnected doorbell camera at Guthrie's residence, which could have potentially captured images of anyone present the day she went missing. While the camera recorded movement shortly after being disconnected early Sunday, the footage was not saved due to a lack of an active subscription.
"It is concerning, it's actually almost disappointing because you've got your hopes up," Nanos told The Associated Press. "OK, they got an image. 'Well, we do, but we don't.'"
Investigators have not identified any suspects and have not ruled anyone out, Nanos said at a news conference Thursday. Blood found on the home's front steps was confirmed to be Nancy Guthrie's, according to Nanos.
Authorities are also investigating several ransom notes sent to media outlets. The FBI is handling that aspect of the investigation, and as of Friday, had no new information to share, according to a statement from Brooke Brennan of the FBI's Phoenix office.
At least one note included a demand for money with a deadline that passed Thursday evening, and a second deadline is set for Monday if the first is not met. The notes reportedly mentioned a floodlight at Guthrie's home and an Apple watch, according to the FBI.
A man was recently released on bond after being charged with sending the Guthrie family an illegitimate ransom threat. The FBI stated he was "trying to profit" from the case and there was "no evidence to connect" him to Guthrie's disappearance.
Concern is growing for Guthrie's well-being, as she requires daily medication for health issues, including high blood pressure and heart problems. Nanos stated, "Her conditions, I would imagine, are worsening day by day... She requires medication. And I have no way of knowing whether they're getting that medication to her."
Savannah Guthrie, the "Today" show host and Nancy Guthrie's daughter, and her siblings released an emotional video message Wednesday appealing to her kidnapper, expressing their willingness to talk but requesting proof of their mother's continued safety. Her brother, Camron Guthrie, repeated the family's plea in a video posted Thursday, stating: "Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you. We haven't heard anything directly."
An SUV was towed from Guthrie's property Friday evening after deputies blocked off a larger area around the home and marked potential evidence locations. Investigators resumed examining Guthrie's home and neighborhood in what CNN law enforcement analyst Steve Moore described as an attempt to "go back to square one" and rebuild the case.
Authorities are also planning to erect billboards featuring Nancy Guthrie's image and the FBI phone number in nearby states to broaden the search.