The investigation into the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother has taken another troubling turn after authorities released two ransom notes tied to the case.
The newly released documents include a message claiming Nancy Guthrie died shortly after her alleged abduction. Investigators stress that claim remains unverified.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Tucson-area home on Feb. 1. Authorities have treated the case as a suspected kidnapping from the outset. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI continue to investigate.
The sheriff’s office released the handwritten notes nearly six months after Nancy Guthrie vanished. Investigators hope the public may recognize the writing style or language used by the author. The agency believes those details could generate new leads.
Second Note Raises New Questions
According to investigators, the first note demanded $4 million in Bitcoin in exchange for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. It warned the family against contacting authorities.
A second note, dated several days later, presented a dramatically different message.
The author claimed Nancy Guthrie had died shortly after the kidnapping because of an undisclosed medical condition. The note further alleged she had been “buried in nature” and suggested her death was unintentional. Authorities have not verified any of those claims.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that the investigation remains active.
Nancy Guthrie has not been found. No arrests have been announced.
Officials say the release of both notes is intended to generate tips rather than confirm their contents. Detectives believe someone familiar with the writer could recognize unique phrases, spelling patterns, or handwriting characteristics.
Investigators also continue reviewing DNA evidence, surveillance footage, and digital evidence collected during the investigation.
Earlier surveillance images showed a masked individual outside Nancy Guthrie’s residence during the overnight hours before she was reported missing. Blood recovered inside the home matched Nancy Guthrie’s DNA, further supporting investigators’ belief that she did not leave voluntarily.
Family Continues Public Plea
Savannah Guthrie and her family have repeatedly asked anyone with information to come forward.
Following reports of the second ransom message earlier this year, Guthrie addressed the suspected kidnappers in a public video.
“We received your message and we understand,” Guthrie said.
“We beg you now to return our mother to us.”
“This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
More recently, the “Today” co-anchor marked six months since her mother’s disappearance with another emotional appeal.
“Our family is living in agony and despair,” she wrote.
She also urged anyone with information to contact investigators, saying even the smallest detail could prove significant.
Authorities continue offering substantial reward money for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or the identification of those responsible.
Despite the disturbing contents of the second note, investigators caution that its claims have not been substantiated.
For now, Nancy Guthrie remains officially listed as missing.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department says every available lead continues to be pursued. Officials hope releasing the full ransom notes will encourage witnesses or acquaintances of the writer to finally come forward.