Bethenny Frankel has suggested that a competing journalist might be linked to the recent abduction of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s mother, from her home in Arizona.
The former “Real Housewives of New York City” star, 55, shared her intriguing theory on Instagram Wednesday, as the search for the 84-year-old enters its 12th day.
Frankel mentioned that investigators suspect “the ransom note was crafted by a very clear-minded person,” highlighting that this individual may have connections to an Arizona television station. She pointed out that Savannah previously worked at one such station.
She also reflected on the kidnappers’ claim that Nancy would be returned home in Tucson “within hours” after the ransom was paid.
“So, the person who helped Savannah succeed and earn significant money is a competitive journalist who feels wronged and wants her due?” Frankel posed to her over 4 million followers.
“Honestly, I’ve never come across something like this. But why does that sound somewhat logical?” she remarked.
Frankel noted that there’s likely a lot of information missing in this case. Admitting that she “could use” some help, she called on her followers, referring to them as “part-time reporters,” to share any details they might have.
“Fill me in on the missing pieces,” she said in the video caption.
Fans quickly chimed in with their thoughts, with many echoing Frankel’s sentiments. Some even floated their own theories about the kidnapping.
One comment read, “I don’t think you’re wrong. All theories are plausible at this point.”
Another user expressed, “Oh no, I can’t handle this any longer.”
Frankel’s supporters shared their comments enthusiastically, agreeing with her take and adding their own spins on the situation.
“That’s interesting. I hope the FBI looks into all of this,” remarked another person. “Poor woman.”
Nancy was last seen around 9:30 PM on January 31, following a family dinner where her son-in-law, Tommaso Sioni, dropped her off.
She was reported missing the next afternoon, February 1, after she failed to log into her usual virtual church service.
Authorities believe she was kidnapped and possibly harmed while sleeping just outside her Catalina Foothills home, where blood stains confirmed to be hers were later found.
The ransom note associated with this case, which Frankel referenced, was sent to TMZ and several Tucson news outlets, demanding that the Guthrie family pay $6 million in Bitcoin by February 9 at 5 PM MT.
After the February 9 deadline had passed, it was noted that around $152 in Bitcoin showed up in an unverified account.
Previously, Savannah had worked as a reporter and anchor for KVOA-TV in Tucson early in her career but has stepped away from “Today” to focus on her mother’s case.
She, along with her siblings Camron and Annie, have released several passionate videos urging those responsible for their mother’s abduction to release her and agreeing to the $6 million ransom.
“Someone out there knows this person,” Savannah stated in one of the videos after law enforcement shared images of the suspect taken near Nancy’s home.
“We believe she’s still in that location,” added the “Today” co-anchor. “Please, bring her back home.”
