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Published 08:51 01 Jul 2026 GMT
The FBI has provided a huge update in the Nancy Guthrie case, revealing that some key evidence has been proven to be fake.
It's been months since the 84-year-old mother of TV news host Savannah Guthrie vanished.
She was last seen on the night of January 31 at her home in Tucson, Arizona, by her daughter Annie and her son-in-law.
Authorities believe that the suspected kidnapping took place, with surveillance footage revealing that a masked individual arrived at the property in the middle of the night.
Nancy is still missing, as her daughter has stepped back from work to support her family as investigators continue to look into her mom's disappearance.
So far in the case, authorities have provided updates such as kidnapping suspects and ransom notes.
But in a new update, the FBI has claimed that those notes, one of which claimed Nancy was dead, were actually fake.
The original ransom notes, which were sent to TMZ, were falsified according to the FBI.
Three notes were sent, asking for millions in Crypto, claiming to know the identities of the kidnappers, even alleging to have footage of the day she had died.
These were taken very seriously, but a senior FBI official has now confirmed to Reuters that "none of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine."
Now, investigators are questioning whether Nancy was taken for ransom at all.
A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff's Department did not comment on this update, instead stating that it was "still an active investigation."
Angelica Carrilo, the sheriff's spokesperson, said: "We don't have any updates, other than this is still an active investigation."
She also said that DNA samples and video evidence from the case "remain under forensic analysis."
Investigators had been focusing on a Bitcoin wallet provided by the people behind the alleged ransom demand.
But according to cryptocurrency specialists, the ransom communications and the wallet itself suggest the perpetrators may have been inexperienced.
The first alleged ransom note demanded $4million in Bitcoin to be sent in a few days, with another offering an "apology" for her death, claiming the body could be delivered for that amount.
The message reportedly included details about Guthrie’s home and an Apple Watch that had not been made public. A second email, sent from the same IP address, later claimed that Guthrie had died.
Sources close to the investigation told Air Mail that detectives from the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Department are now reconsidering their decision not to send the full ransom payment.
The FBI reportedly deposited just $152 worth of Bitcoin into the wallet. The goal was to see whether the suspects would move the funds, creating a digital trail that investigators could follow.
But the money remained untouched.
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Published 15:58 11 Feb 2026 GMT
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Published 19:55 12 Feb 2026 GMT
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Published 10:20 04 Feb 2026 GMT
Officials are looking into the alleged ransom notes in the disappearance of news anchor Savannah Guthrie's mother.
As previously reported, the 54-year-old co-host of NBC's Today show is searching for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, who has gone missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on January 31.
On February 3, TMZ reported receiving a ransom note demanding a substantial amount of Bitcoin for Nancy's release.
The note, which specified a multimillion-dollar sum, was also tied to a particular Bitcoin address.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that the FBI had reviewed the message and shared it with Savannah, who has since been informed of the contents.
“It's like any piece of evidence,” he stated, cited by BBC News. “You give it to us, you give us a lead, we’re going to look at every aspect of that lead.”
As the investigation continues, Nanos emphasized that investigators are treating every tip with urgency.
The sheriff's department has not yet confirmed whether the ransom note is authentic.
Nancy was last seen around 9:30PM on January 31 after being dropped off at her home by family members.
The following morning, her family became concerned when she failed to attend church services, prompting them to contact authorities.
Investigators quickly turned their attention to what appeared to be a crime scene at the 84-year-old's home, with initial signs suggesting she did not leave voluntarily.
“We believe now, after we processed that crime scene, that we do, in fact, have a crime scene that we do, in fact, have a crime,” he said, noting that Nancy suffers from mobility issues, making it unlikely that she could have walked away from her home on her own.
Authorities also found blood at the scene, which is currently being tested, though the sheriff has not confirmed whether it was seen inside or outside the home.
The investigation has taken on even more urgency due to Nancy’s medical condition, as she requires medication that could become life-threatening if not taken in time.
“We do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will. And that's where we’re at," Nanos added.
The news anchor took to Instagram on February 2 to express her thanks for the outpouring of prayers.
"We believe in prayer. we believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. we believe in goodness. we believe in humanity. above all, we believe in Him," she penned.
"Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment."
"We need you," she continued. “He will keep in perfect peace those whose hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” a verse of Isaiah for all time for all of us. Bring her home."
In the midst of the search, she has been absent from her usual duties at the Today show as she stays in Arizona with her family.
NBC has confirmed that she will not be participating in the network's Winter Olympics coverage to focus on supporting her family.
“Savannah will not be joining us at the Olympics as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time,” the statement said. “Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues for their mother. We will share additional information about our Opening Ceremony coverage plans soon.”
Published 17:01 09 Feb 2026 GMT
A small detail in a ransom note claiming to be from Nancy Guthrie's kidnappers could reveal a key detail about the criminals.
As previously reported, the 84-year-old, who is the mother of TV news anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on February 1.
Nancy had vanished from her $1 million home in Tucson, Arizona, last weekend after being dropped off by her daughter and son-in-law, with the alarm being raised after she failed to arrive at church as expected.
A trail of blood was found outside her home, and the doorbell camera outside had also been removed in the early hours.
Her children - Savannah, Camron, and Annie - have since begged the captors to return their mother, who is without vital medication she needs daily.
Several ransom notes have surfaced since the disappearance, including one which police are taking seriously.
The alleged captors are demanding $6 million in bitcoin by 5PM on Monday, with a threat also being made to Nancy's life.
However, according to new reports, one small detail within the ransom note could suggest that the kidnappers are not in the US.
Reporter JJ McKinney, whose Arizona outlet KGUN9 was one of three to receive the ransom note, said per the New York Post: "Multiple ransom notes have been sent out to the media, including one that was sent to us.
"In the letter, the potential kidnappers demanded that the Guthries pay them $6 million before this Monday."
The purported kidnappers did not provide any proof of life or that they have Nancy, but included details from inside her house, which has prompted law enforcement to treat the demands as if they are real.
Nancy's children shared a video message to say: "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.”
However, some experts have cast doubt on the ransom note, which specified that the ransom be paid in the equivalent of US dollars - which they believe could indicate that the person making the demand is not in the US, which could potentially mean it is a scam to obtain millions of dollars from the Guthries.
Former FBI agent Michael Harrigan told The New York Post: "If you’re domestic, why would you ever put ‘USD?’ You put 6 million.
"Why would you use that if you’re a domestic person? That points to somebody who might be potentially outside the country."
He added that that tiny detail "lends the potential for this being a scam."
No further communication has emerged from the supposed kidnappers as the deadline mentioned in their message draws closer.
Police have maintained a presence at Nancy's home and were seen searching a septic tank behind the property before leaving empty handed.
A new ransom note has been received in the case of Savannah Guthrie’s missing mom Nancy, with another very specific demand.
The note, which has now been passed to the FBI, made a sinister statement at the end that will certainly focus the bureau’s attention.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since February 1, when she failed to show up at a friend’s house to watch a church service.
In the intervening time, ransom notes have been received containing details of a price to be paid and deadlines that have since passed.
Police have searched the area around the house, and recently released images and video that show a masked and armed suspect attempting to tamper with the doorbell camera at the property belonging to Guthrie.
A man was also arrested and questioned before being released, and so far it seems as if law enforcement are not close to apprehending any credible suspect.
Now, according to TMZ, another note has been received, with another demand that could see Guthrie returned, but a sinister threat at the end.
This time, the note contains a link to a different bitcoin wallet - the previous one demanded $6,000,000 - and a much simpler demand, which would result in the identity of the kidnappers being revealed.
It is not clear how credible this note is, but TMZ claim it has since been passed to the FBI, who will be taking it seriously.
Received at 5:00AM PST on February 11, the sender of the note - according to the reports - attempted to contact the Guthrie family, Savannah, her brother Camron, and sister Annie by email and text before sending the note to the news agency.
The note allegedly says: "If they want the name of the individual involved then I want 1 Bitcoin to the following wallet.”
It ends with the disturbing comment: “Time is more than relevant."
TMZ claims to have verified the bitcoin account as genuine, and that it is a different account to the first note received by the publication and other news stations.
The FBI is currently offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to those who allegedly took Nancy Guthrie, whereas one bitcoin is currently worth around $66,000.
Yet another note has been received in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case, this time with some ‘ominous’ statements.
This time, the send - who claims to know the identity of the kidnapper, says that they fear they are ‘not being taken seriously’.
84-year-old Guthrie, the mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for 12 days now since she did not turn up at a friend’s house to watch a church service.
In that time, police have investigated a number of leads, including areas around her house, found several clues, and released chilling footage of a masked suspect who was also allegedly armed.
There have also been several ransom notes demanding payment, complete with deadlines that have since been missed, and another from someone claiming to have information that could help identify the kidnapper.
The FBI have put up a big reward for information leading to Guthrie’s safe return or the arrest of the kidnappers, but that clearly isn’t enough for the person who keeps sending these notes.
TMZ announced that another note had been received earlier today (February 12) and this time claimed that the note was purportedly from the same person as one recently received, who now fears they are ‘not being taken seriously’.
There were a number of other ‘ominous’ statements in the note, which has been passed on to investigators for examination.
The recent note also demanded one bitcoin for information about the identity of the kidnapper.
Earlier today, a white tent was seen outside Guthrie’s Arizona house, although it is not clear what the purpose of the tent is.
The note also noted that the sender was concerned about being ‘incriminated like that Carlos guy’ - a reference to a man who was arrested and subsequently released without charge.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department has maintained that no press conferences will be held until there is significant information to announce, and so far, no conference has been called.
Addressing the footage, FBI director Kash Patel said: “Working with our partners - as of this morning, law enforcement has uncovered these previously inaccessible new images showing an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie's front door the morning of her disappearance.”
Law enforcement is asking members of the public to send in any footage showing anything they ‘deem out of then ordinary’ between January 1 and February 2.
Published 17:13 11 Feb 2026 GMT
The disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has sparked widespread concern and media attention, particularly after the release of ransom notes demanding $6 million.
Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker has cast doubt on the authenticity of these ransom notes and the kidnapping claim.
He expressed skepticism about whether Guthrie is alive and being held by kidnappers. Swecker noted that the case does not follow the usual pattern of kidnapping-for-ransom incidents.
“I’m very skeptical of this,” Swecker told Fox News. “Is this really a kidnapping? Does somebody really have her, and is she really alive?” He emphasized that the lack of tangible proof of life, such as photos or video, only raises more questions. "If this was a kidnapping, it would be a very simple matter to authenticate and provide proof of life," he said.
Savannah Guthrie, the journalist and daughter of Nancy, and her family have publicly responded to the ransom demands, indicating their willingness to meet the kidnappers' financial request. In a video message posted on social media, Savannah expressed the family's desperate plea for their mother’s return.
“We received your message, and we understand,” she said. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.”
The Guthries are facing a difficult and uncertain situation, with the investigation dragging on into its ninth day without any clear leads. Despite their willingness to pay the ransom, law enforcement has yet to verify the authenticity of the ransom notes or make any arrests.
As the search for Nancy continues, authorities remain without suspects. Investigators have combed through various areas, including a septic tank behind her home, but have found no definitive evidence of her whereabouts.
The family’s concern grows as multiple ransom demands have surfaced, with the most recent set at $6 million - up from an initial $1 million request. Police have also revealed disturbing details, such as blood drops found outside Nancy’s home, which suggest the possibility of a forced abduction.
Despite the numerous twists in the case, Chris Swecker cautioned that the Guthrie family may be dealing with opportunists who are exploiting their grief. "I really think there’s a third party here that’s just playing with them," he said.
As the investigation progresses, the fate of Nancy Guthrie remains uncertain, and the family’s calls for her safe return grow more urgent with each passing day.
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