Nancy Guthrie ransom notes likely came from abductor who said she died, investigators believe

Nancy Guthrie Ransom Notes Likely From Abductor, Investigators Say

Nancy Guthrie ransom notes likely came - Law enforcement officials suspect that the two ransom notes sent to Nancy Guthrie’s family—featuring a message claiming she had died—were authored by the individual or group responsible for her abduction. Sources close to the case indicate the same sender likely dispatched both notes, with evidence pointing to a shared computer IP address.

Ransom Details and Timeline

The initial message, sent on February 2, just a day after Nancy, 84, vanished from her Tucson, Arizona, home, requested millions in cryptocurrency for her release. It included precise descriptions of her residence, such as an Apple Watch with a white band found on the bedroom floor and a damaged back porch light, according to investigators. This note was directed to Savannah Guthrie, her daughter, as confirmed by multiple sources.

A few days later, on February 6, the second note arrived. It echoed the style of the first but shifted focus, revealing Nancy’s death. Despite this, the message suggested the captors did not intend for her to perish, per those who examined the documents.

Family’s Confidence in Notes

Savannah Guthrie, co-host of the "Today" show, affirmed in an NBC interview that her family considers the two notes genuine. “There were many messages, but most weren’t authentic. I didn’t see them,” she explained. “The ones we received and acted upon, I believe, are real.”

"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."

Public Appeal via Video

In response to the second note, Savannah and her siblings issued a public message through an Instagram video. The clip, posted after the note’s release, urged the abductors to release Nancy, emphasizing the family’s desperation and willingness to compensate.

The FBI and Pima County detectives continue their investigation, searching for clues about Nancy’s whereabouts and the identity of her captors. An editor’s note confirms the video on this page was recorded on May 12.