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Published 08:45 01 Aug 2026 GMT
The Pima County Sheriff's Department in Arizona has released an early ransom note in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.
Authorities are making this information public with the hope that someone will recognize the specific writing style and unique linguistic patterns of the sender. Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her home outside Tucson on February 1.
A second letter made public on Friday indicates that she died shortly after she was kidnapped, stating that "she is buried in nature now," and adding, "Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome."
The writer concluded the message with an apology, stating, "We are truly sorry." Both notes were sent to a Tucson television station within days of her disappearance, but law enforcement officials have not yet officially confirmed whether Nancy Guthrie is still alive.
The first letter, which arrived on February 2, claimed that she was safe but frightened. The captors demanded a ransom of $4 million in cryptocurrency for her unharmed release, warning that the price would go up if their terms were not met immediately.
The note gave a 12-hour window for payment and explicitly threatened her life if the money was not sent. It stated, "Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands," followed by, "It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible."
Law enforcement officials believe that the suspect's specific choices of words and overall phrasing provide critical insight into their mindset. They hope that an acquaintance, family member, or coworker might recognize these habits and come forward. The sheriff's department released a statement appealing to the public, acknowledging that it can be incredibly difficult to share information due to personal relationships or safety concerns.
The department wrote, "We recognize relationships and loyalties change over time as do people and their perspectives," and reminded the public that "it is not too late to come forward."
This strategy mirrors past high-profile investigations where a suspect's prose led to an arrest. During the hunt for Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, federal authorities backed the publication of his 35,000-word manifesto in 1995. This decision prompted Kaczynski's brother and sister-in-law to recognize his syntax and distinct anti-technology viewpoints, which ultimately allowed the FBI to close what was then its longest and most expensive investigation.
In addition to the written text, investigators have analyzed new technical evidence. Doorbell camera footage suggests an unidentified male may have scouted or prepared the location on two separate days prior to the actual kidnapping.
Because of this, the sheriff's office is asking the community to look out for individuals who suddenly altered their physical appearance, acted strangely, left the Tucson area unexpectedly, or showed an unusual fixation on or avoidance of the case.
The sheriff's office stated, "Investigators continue to pursue every available technological and investigative lead," while emphasizing that "community members remain a vital resource as we seek to provide answers for Nancy's family."
The family has spent months pleading for information via social media and televised statements. Early in the case, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings noted they were aware of the media reports regarding a ransom letter.
Her brother, Camron Guthrie, stated that the family had not heard directly from the abductors. By February 7, a day after the second note was sent, Savannah Guthrie mentioned that they received a message and "understand," though she did not share specific details. In an emotional appeal to the captors, she stated, "We will pay."
As the search continues, the legal aftermath of the initial investigation is starting to unfold. Two men who were detained and subsequently released early in the case are now seeking a combined $3 million from the southern Arizona law enforcement agency. Carlos Alfredo Palazuelos and Daniel Maddow filed a legal claim alleging they were wrongfully held by the Pima County Sheriff's Department on February 10.
Although both men were let go just hours after their initial detention, their claim asserts that they have suffered negative consequences simply from being associated with the high-profile disappearance. The department under Sheriff Chris Nanos has declined to comment on the matter, which serves as a required step before a formal lawsuit can be filed against a government entity.
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Published 11:03 05 Feb 2026 GMT
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Published 08:51 01 Jul 2026 GMT
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.”
The haunting demand in an alleged ransom note for Savannah Guthrie's missing mom has been revealed.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of the Today show anchor, was last seen at her home in Tucson, Arizona, around 9:30PM on January 31, when family members dropped her off.
When investigators arrived at her property in Catalina Foothills on Sunday, February 1, they noticed that she was missing. They feared that she had been taken “possibly in the middle of the night, and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction," per NBC News.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed it is taking “all tips and leads very seriously," including the reported ransom note.
While the authenticity of the note has not yet been confirmed, Mary Coleman, an anchor at KOLD 13 News who received the letter, described it as containing details that suggest it may have come from someone with direct knowledge of the abduction, CNN reported.
On Wednesday (February 4), Savannah and her siblings posted a heartfelt video on social media pleading with the alleged kidnappers.
The news anchor spoke about the note, which allegedly demanded millions of dollars in Bitcoin for Nancy’s return, and called for proof of life.
“We, too, have heard reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk,” Savannah said in the video posted to Instagram. “However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated.
"We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her," she shared.
The visibly emotional news anchor said her mother is 84 years old, and emphasized that "her health, her heart, is fragile".
"She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive, and she needs it not to suffer,” Guthrie added.
President Donald Trump has weighed in on the heartbreaking situation, revealing that he has been in contact with Nancy's family.
In a post shared on Truth Social late Wednesday, he wrote: "I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY.
"We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely," the president added. "The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!"
While the ransom note is a significant development, investigators have also uncovered other troubling clues.
A missing doorbell camera at Nancy's home has raised questions, as the camera, which was installed as part of the home’s security system, was absent when police arrived at the scene. This prompted speculation that it may have been removed by the alleged abductor.
This loss is a blow to the investigation, as the camera was not connected to a cloud service, making it harder for authorities to access footage.
Neighboring homes, many of which also have security cameras, have been checked, but so far, only one nearby camera, belonging to a neighbor, captured footage of a javelina, a local animal.
In addition to this, police discovered blood at Nancy's home, though it remains unclear whether it was found inside or outside the home.
Despite these developments, law enforcement has not named any suspects or persons of interest.
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.
Published 20:27 05 Feb 2026 GMT
Police have revealed a strict deadline was included in an alleged ransom note for Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of TODAY host Savannah Guthrie.
The note included several demands and included details about the alleged kidnapping that seem to have cops convinced.
84-year-old Guthrie was reportedly abducted from her Arizona home on Saturday night, and is allegedly ‘limited in mobility’ but of ‘great sound mind’.
Earlier this week, police received a ransom note that was sent to news outlets earlier in the week with demands including millions of dollars in Bitcoin.
While the legitimacy of the note has yet to be confirmed, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters on Monday that he believes Guthrie was abducted.
So far - FBI special agent Heith Janke confirmed - the family have received no ‘proof of life’ and there has been ‘no contact’ with the alleged kidnappers, although some chilling details have emerged and the family has pleaded for her safe return.
Donald Trump has also spoken to Savannah Guthrie and has pledged support in getting her mother home safely.
Police have also said that they believe Nancy is still alive.
As well as the demand for financial payment, the note includes deadlines that must be met in order for her safe return.
The letter, which included significant details about the location of Guthrie 120 hours ago, including details about her Apple Watch and a floodlight at her home in Tucson, said that the deadline was 5:00pm MT on Thursday.
There is also a second deadline in the note, and it is not clear what the warning was if the deadline was missed.
"If a transfer wasn’t made, the second demand was for next Monday,” Janke said at a press conference.
“I’m not going to go beyond that.”
Janke said: “We are continuing as a normal kidnapping case,
“In a normal kidnapping case there would be contact by now trying to discuss that.”
However, the note did not include contact details.
Authorities are obviously taking the note seriously, though there is an ‘absolute possibility’ that the note and Guthrie’s disappearance are unrelated, Sheriff Nanos said.
In a video statement on Wednesday night, Savannah said: “We need to know, without a doubt, that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen,
“Please, reach out to us.”
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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