A vulnerable victim, an unknown perpetrator and a recognizable celebrity are all factors in a case that has captivated the public.

Feb. 9 (UPI) -- The deadline on a purported ransom note neared Monday as the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, entered its ninth day.

High-profile abductions, like those of Patty Hearst and J. Paul Getty III, have captured the nation’s attention, but experts say kidnappings by strangers are exceedingly rare.

High-profile abductions, like those of Patty Hearst and J. Paul Getty III, have captured the nation’s attention, but experts say kidnappings by strangers are exceedingly rare.