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.
Ransom Note Found
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.
Details of Nancy's Disappearance
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.
Savannah Guthrie’s Emotional Appeal and Absence from Today Show
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.”