Six months after Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department has released two conflicting ransom notes received in connection with the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie.
The first note arrived in early February, sent to Savannah Guthrie and distributed to local and national media outlets, including Tucson station KOLD News 13. The writer claimed Nancy Guthrie was “safe but scared” and demanded $4 million in bitcoin by Thursday the 5th, threatening to raise the demand to $6 million by Monday the 9th before killing her. The bitcoin wallet address was redacted by law enforcement.
“Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you,” the note warned.
The message also included specific physical details from the residence, noting that “she had a white smart watch on the floor of the foot of her bed and the white flood light in backyard was destroyed.”
A second note arrived days later, addressed directly to the Guthrie family, carrying a markedly different tone. Expressing remorse, the writer claimed Nancy Guthrie had died shortly after being taken.
“We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition,” the second note stated. “We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry.”
Investigators previously noted concerns regarding Nancy Guthrie’s physical health. She relies on daily medication, has a pacemaker, and has a history of heart issues and high blood pressure.
Pima County deputies believe the writing patterns across both notes could provide critical insight into the suspect’s mindset and identity. In a statement, deputies noted that a friend, family member, coworker, classmate, or acquaintance might recognize distinct phrasing used in the messages. The FBI has not stated which of the notes it considers legitimate.
Guthrie was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home on Jan. 31 and reported missing the following day. Authorities maintain she was abducted. Two doorbell camera videos recovered with the help of a private organization show a masked individual, leading investigators to believe the event was pre-planned.
The suspect is described as a man standing between 5-foot-9 and 5-foot-10 with an average build. He was seen wearing black gloves and carrying a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack.
Investigators are asking the public to report anyone who showed noticeable behavioral changes around the time of the disappearance. Key indicators include sudden shifts in mood or displays of anxiety, unexpected changes in physical appearance, unexplained cuts or bruises, changes to daily routines, sudden travel, vehicle cleaning or repairs, or an unusual interest or disinterest in the neighborhood and investigation.
The Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery, while the FBI is offering a $100,000 reward. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov, or call 88-CRIME to remain anonymous.
The first note demanded millions in bitcoin for Nancy Guthrie’s release.
Hello Savannah,
We have your mother Nancy. She is safe but scared. She will be held for ransom and once payment is received she will be released unharmed. We will be holding her for a maximum of 7 days. You will need to send bitcoin in the amount of $4 million USD before 5PM on Thursday the 5th. If payment is not received, the ransom will be increased to 6 million USD which will need to be paid by 5PM on Monday the 9th. Once payment is received to the bitcoin address below she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop off location back in Tucson. If payment is not recieved by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed. Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible. You will not be able to contact me from here on out, there will be no negotiation. Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you.
Bitcoin address: ********
The second was similar in language and style but did not make any demands.
Guthrie Family, We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart-related. She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry.
Bitcoin address: ********
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