The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie took another turn today as a self-proclaimed informant reached out to TMZ Friday afternoon with a demand for the FBI’s newly increased $100,000 reward.
This development follows a major push from the FBI’s Phoenix office, which just doubled its reward to six figures and released a specific profile of a suspect: a man roughly 5’9” to 5’10” with an average build, carrying a black 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack.”
The anonymous individual, who has now sent three emails to the media outlet, claims to know exactly who kidnapped the mother of “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. Citing a deep-seated distrust of law enforcement, the tipster is attempting to use the media as an intermediary to secure the reward money via cryptocurrency.
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According to TMZ, the latest demand asks for $50,000 in Bitcoin upfront in exchange for the name of the “main individual” involved—a phrasing that strongly suggests the kidnapping was not a solo act but involved multiple accomplices. The sender promised not to withdraw the initial funds until an arrest is made, at which point he expects the remaining $50,000.
While the informant reportedly made reference to Nancy Guthrie’s current condition, those specific details have not been made public. This digital ransom for information comes at a time when investigators are already drowning in data.
The FBI has logged over 13,000 tips, while the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has handled nearly 18,000 calls. Sources indicate that the decision to release specific details about the suspect’s backpack and height was an intentional move to filter out “noise” from the investigation, including well-meaning but unhelpful calls from psychics and clairvoyants.
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On the ground in Pima County, the physical search remains intense. Detectives recently recovered a pair of black gloves near Guthrie’s home, which are currently undergoing DNA analysis.
The 74-year-old was last seen on January 31 and was reported missing the next morning when she missed a scheduled church live-stream with friends.
As federal agents and local deputies continue to canvas the Catalina Foothills, the family maintains a public plea for her safe return. Savannah Guthrie recently shared a poignant family video on Instagram, stating that the family “will never give up on her.”
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