A retired FBI hostage negotiator has revealed the secret message in the heartbreaking video filmed by Savannah Guthrie amid the desperate search for her mother.
Jason Pack, a certified crisis negotiator, called the TODAY star’s direct appeal to her mother Nancy’s captors a ‘modern age proof of life request’ as officials attempt to negotiate a resolution.
‘They want to open that line of communication so they’re speaking directly apparently to any potential kidnapper,’ Pack told The Daily Mail.
‘The goal of this message is twofold – to get a message to her mom and to potentially open up lines of communication since they’ve clearly not heard back.’
The former FBI Supervisory Special Agent explained that the plea was a calculated emotional appeal designed to reduce the risk of harm to the elderly woman.
Pack also suggested an alternate motive, potentially manipulating the captors ‘to take care of the hostage and not hurt her.’
Savannah pleaded with the captors while emphasizing her mother’s health condition.
‘She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain,’ Savannah said. ‘She is without medicine, she needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.’
Pack believed the video revealed authorities do not have a direct line with the kidnappers, and are urgently seeking to make contact.
‘If they’ve had contact they haven’t heard back, they want to slow things down and you also want to let them know they’re ready to do business,’ he said.
A retired FBI hostage negotiator revealed the secret message in the heartbreaking video filmed by Savannah Guthrie amid the desperate search for her mother
Savannah Guthrie posted the emotional video begging her captors for information about her beloved 84-year-old mother
Savannah Guthrie posted the emotional video begging her captors for information about her beloved 84-year-old mother.
Nancy vanished on Saturday evening after she was dropped off at her sprawling Arizona property by her son-in-law Tommaso Cioni – the last person to have seen her.
Pack said that the reason Guthrie – alongside her sister Annie and brother Camron – made the plea rather than law enforcement was to make sure they receive a potential ransom note.
‘The reason the family does it rather than the Sheriff is because if there’s a ransom note it’s directly to them and they have the authority, they have the money,’ he said.
He also noted a crucial aspect of video was Savannah wanting definitive proof her mother was still alive and not using ‘easily manipulated’ voices or images.
‘We live in a world where voices and images and images are easily manipulated,’ Savannah said through tears.
‘We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.’
Jason Pack, a certified crisis negotiator, called the TODAY star’s direct appeal to her mother Nancy’s captors a ‘modern age proof of life request’ as officials attempt to negotiate a resolution
FBI agents are pictured at Annie Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona
Savannah addressed the potential kidnappers, saying ‘we are ready to talk’ but wanted proof that they weren’t potentially using fraudulent images of her.
‘This is a modern age proof of life request – saying we need clear evidence anybody could take a picture and deepfake it,’ Pack said.
Guthrie directly addressed her mother’s possible captors in the video, making the first public admission that she may be held for ransom.
‘We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can,’ Guthrie said in the clip.
Pack said the Guthrie family’s form of appeal is ‘logical,’ noting that they ‘have to do something.’
‘The emotional proof of life request you hear in the video is the foundation of any potential dialogue. Families need to know their loved one is safe before any conversation can move forward,’ he added.
‘That’s universal, whether you’re dealing with professional criminals or confused opportunists or something else entirely.’
Ultimately, he believed the Guthries are making the right move in their quest to be reunited with their beloved matriarch.
‘I’ve watched families practice these statements, struggling to keep their voices steady, questioning whether they’re doing the right thing,’ he said.
‘The answer is always yes. Whether this video reaches actual captors or generates tips from the public or simply shows a missing woman that her family hasn’t given up, it matters.’
The NBC star graciously thanked everyone across the country who offered prayers and support before detailing her ‘beloved mom’ Nancy’s fragile state prior to her disappearance
Savannah and her siblings were visibly emotional, with Savannah holding back tears as she spoke.
The NBC star graciously thanked everyone across the country who offered prayers and support before detailing her ‘beloved mom’ Nancy’s fragile state prior to her disappearance.
Savannah also directly addressed her mother.
‘Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy,’ she said.
‘We believe and know that even in this valley, he is with you. Everyone is looking for you, mommy, everywhere. We will not rest, your children will not rest until we are together again.’
‘We speak to you every moment and we pray without ceasing and we rejoice in advance for the day that we hold you in our arms again. We love you, mom,’ the NBC star added.
Authorities are expected to provide another update into the investigation Thursday.
