Crime Alert, I'm Nancy Grace, breaking crime news now.

Straight out to Nicole Parton for the latest.

Monday marks the ninth day in the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie,

with the case escalating into a critical investigation as a ransom deadline approaches.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department has maintained a steady presence outside Guthrie's residence in the Catalina foothills,

with officials indicating that deputies will remain there for the family's security.

On February 8, the investigation intensified as authorities focused their efforts on the property itself.

Footage from Fox Flight Team 9 captured deputies examining a septic tank behind the home.

Investigators were seen probing a manhole at the back of the property with a poll,

though officials have not revealed what they were searching for or whether any evidence was found.

This search followed a busy weekend of law enforcement activity during which investigators spent several hours at the home of Guthrie's daughter Annie.

Witnesses reported seeing flashes of light within the house suggesting that photographs were being taken and investigators

later left with various items. This increase in activity comes as a deadline mentioned in an alleged

ransom note approaches set for 5 p.m. today. The note sent to a local Tucson news station reportedly demanded millions of dollars in Bitcoin.

While authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the note, one person has already been

arrested for a separate imposter ransom call earlier this week. In a third video shared on

social media Saturday night, Savannah Guthrie, along with her

siblings, Annie and Cameron, addressed potential captors directly with Savannah saying we will pay.

We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.

This is the only way we will have peace.

This is very valuable to us and we will pay.

Savannah's mother, Nancy, who relies on a pacemaker and daily heart medication, was last seen on January 31 and was reported missing the following day after her family learned she had not attended church.

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