The FBI has released a disheartening message saying it has not yet identified a suspect of person of interest in the case after more than a week, as it takes over the investigation into the ransom notes.

The FBI released a statement as the second payment deadline passed.

‘For more than a week, FBI agents, analysts and professional staff have worked around the clock to reunite Nancy Guthrie with her family,’ a spokesperson said.

‘The FBI is not aware of any continued communication between the Guthrie family and suspected kidnappers, nor have we identified a suspect or person of interest in this case at this time.’

The spokesperson then went on to provide an update on the investigation, noting that ‘additional personnel from FBI field offices across the nation continue to deploy to Tucson.

‘We are currently operating a 24-hour command post that includes crisis management experts, analytic support and investigative teams,’ the spokesperson added.

‘But we still need the public’s help.

‘Someone has that one piece of information that can help us bring Nancy home. We need that person to share what they know.

‘Please call us at 1-800-CALL-FBI.’

The statement came hours after the Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced that it is no longer handling the investigation into the ransom notes received in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping – and it is now in the hands of the feds.

‘The FBI is handling all aspects related to any ransom note(s) or communications involving the Guthrie family,’ the sheriff’s department said. ‘Any inquiries regarding this matter should be directed to the FBI Public Affairs Office.’

A former defense attorney told Fox News that he believes Savannah Guthrie’s latest statement wasn’t aimed at the captors, but at the public instead.

‘She doesn’t reference them at all,’ Josh Ritter said. ‘She is speaking extemporaneously from the heart.’

Bob Krygier, a retired lieutenant at the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, said Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping is ‘probably not’ cartel related – but is still a possibility.

He explained that most home invasions involving cartel members occur at homes which families had just moved into, and the previous tenants had business with the cartels.

As someone who lived in her $1 million Tucson home for years, Krygier said the theory that it is related to cartels is ‘more far-fetched.’

At the same time, though, he acknowledged: ‘Tucson’s pretty notorious for their home invasions.

‘We have them due to our closeness to the border. It does happen and on occasion the wrong homes are hit.’

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reportedly waited days before deputies let federal agents take over an investigation, according to Fox News.

Unidentified sources told the outlet that there was a delay in local cooperation with federal investigators.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced Monday that its investigation is expanding and it is looking into ‘new leads,’ without releasing any further details.

‘Many of you observed an active law enforcement presence at the Guthrie residences over the weekend. That activity will continue tonight and into tomorrow as part of the ongoing investigative process, including the expansion of the search and follow-up on new leads,’ the department said in a statement.

‘This is all part of the investigative process, as the search for Nancy expands and new leads come in. To preserve the integrity of this criminal investigation, details of that process are not being released at this time.’

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office announced Monday night it still has not identified any suspects or persons of interests in Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping.

‘Investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles connected to Nancy Guthrie,’ the sheriff’s department posted on X.

‘Anyone who believes they have information that may assist investigators is asked to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or the PCSD non-emergency line at 520-351-4900, or 88-CRIME.’

As the Monday deadline for payment of the ransom demanded for the return of Nancy Guthrie passes without proof of life, or consequence, the family and investigators must face the cruel reality that this entire line of enquiry has been a hoax.

Nancy Guthrie search takes new focus as ransom deadline expires

As the Monday deadline for payment of the ransom demanded for the return of Nancy Guthrie passes without proof of life, or consequence, the family and investigators must face a cruel reality…

It is now past 5pm in Tucson, Arizona – the second deadline for ransom money in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

Authorities have confirmed that no payments have been made.

Savannah Guthrie said she believes her mother, Nancy, is still alive and asked the nation for help in her ‘hour of desperation.’

‘We believe that somehow, someway she is feeling these prayers and that God is lifting her even in this moment,’ she said.

‘We believe our mom is still out there.’

She then asked her 1.6 million followers to help with the search by reporting anything they think might be suspicious.

‘We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly around the clock to bring her home, trying to find her. She was taken, and we don’t know where,’ she said.

‘I’m coming on, just ask you not just for your prayers but, no matter where you are, even if you’re far from Tucson, if you see anything, if you hear anything, if there is anything at all that seems strange to you, that you report to law enforcement.’

She concluded, ‘We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help.’

Savannah Guthrie releases saddest video plea yet

The Today host released the video on Monday.

The Daily Mail takes a look at the key evidence in the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance as cops admit they have found no suspects as the search enters its second week.

All the evidence in the Nancy Guthrie case amid ongoing search

Frustration is mounting in the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance as cops admit they have found no suspects over six days into the search.

The digital wallet Nancy Guthrie’s alleged kidnappers set up remained empty up to an hour before the deadline, TMZ reports.

It was one of the outlets that received the original ransom note, which Harvey Levin said Monday night stated that the kidnappers would return the 84-year-old to Tucson, Arizona within 12 hours of receiving the ransom money.

Savannah has previously said the family is ready to pay.

Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that the blood found on the porch at Nancy’s home belongs to her.

‘I think you all know the blood on the porch,’ he told reporters on Thursday.

‘It came back to Nancy, that’s what we know. But there’s still more items that have been submitted.’