US news anchor Savannah Guthrie has issued a new plea for help as the reported deadline for a ransom payment for her mother's safe return loomed.
We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help, she says in a video posted on Instagram on Monday afternoon.
Nancy Guthrie disappeared in the middle of night from her home in Tucson, Arizona, and was last seen on 31 January. Authorities believe she was taken against her will. The FBI is offering a $50,000 (£36,000) reward for information.
The family had earlier indicated that they would be willing to pay for her safe return. A previous alleged deadline for ransom, which is meant to be paid in Bitcoin, passed on 5 February.
Nancy Guthrie was discovered missing when she did not attend a Sunday church service on 1 February and other members grew concerned.
In her latest video, Savannah appeared alone, contrasting previous recordings where she was with her siblings. She was taken, and we don't know where. And we need your help, SAVANNAH said, expressing gratitude to those praying for her mother.
Encouraging people everywhere, even if you're far from Tucson, to report anything suspicious, she emphasized the importance of community assistance.
On Sunday, the sheriff's office mentioned that no suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles had been identified in the case. The FBI is diligently looking into ransom notes sent to local media outlets.
As the deadline for ransom approaches, Savannah's family remains hopeful for her mother's return and urges anyone with information to come forward.
