Ransom Notes Surface In Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case

Local authorities have released two ransom notes they believe were sent by those responsible for the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie in Arizona earlier this year. The release aims to uncover new leads in the ongoing investigation.

The second note, dated February 6, was delivered to a news outlet in Tucson. This message included a tragic assertion that Guthrie, aged 84, had passed away shortly after her abduction. The note mentioned, “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.”

Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of “TODAY,” disappeared from her residence near Tucson on the morning of February 1. The FBI is treating her disappearance as a kidnapping for ransom.

Four days prior, the first note had surfaced, also sent to the same CBS affiliate news outlet. This initial message detailed that a white smart watch was found on the ground at the foot of Guthrie’s bed and a flood light in her backyard had been vandalized. It demanded $4 million in bitcoin by February 5, warning that the amount would increase to $6 million if the payment was not promptly made. “Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you,” stated the note, emphasizing that Guthrie’s life was in the hands of those receiving the message.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department released the notes, highlighting their “unique linguistic style” characterized by distinctive word choice and phrasing. Authorities hope these traits might be recognizable to someone familiar with the writer. “A friend, family member, coworker, classmate or acquaintance may recognize these patterns of expression and possess information that could help identify the individual responsible,” the department stated.

Following this release, Savannah Guthrie made a heartfelt video plea online, asking the individual responsible to “do the right thing” and reveal her mother’s location. “It has been months since our mom was taken from us. Our family is in agony. We are in a nightmare that will not end,” she expressed. Guthrie implored the person to assist in locating her mother, stressing that “it is never too late to do the right thing.”

Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward for information leading to her return.

This story is developing and updates are expected.