Details of Notes in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case Made Public
On Friday, investigators shared two communications purportedly from the kidnappers of Nancy Guthrie, who was abducted from her Tucson residence in February. Despite intense efforts over nearly six months, law enforcement has yet to locate the 84-year-old, who is the mother of Savannah Guthrie from the ‘Today’ show. The release of these notes seeks to generate new leads in a case that has drawn national attention.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department unveiled two ransom notes to Guthrie’s family, stating:
In some cases, individuals with knowledge initially do not speak up due to close ties with those involved or concerns regarding their safety and reputation. Relationships and loyalties shift over time, as do people and their viewpoints. It’s never too late to come forward. Every piece of information is valuable, regardless of its perceived insignificance.
The initial note was sent to news outlet KOLD shortly after Guthrie’s disappearance on February 1. It addressed Savannah, demanding a payment of $4 million in bitcoin by 5 p.m. on February 5, with an ultimatum to increase the amount to $6 million if the deadline passed. The communication declared Guthrie’s captivity would last a maximum of seven days, warning that failure to comply would result in her death. It emphasized urgency and the absence of negotiation, stating:
Your mother’s life is in your hands. It is best for all parties to resolve this promptly. Law enforcement is not an option.
The FBI’s Phoenix division acknowledged some notes might be credible, while others were dismissed as extortion efforts. On their X account, they reiterated the investigation as a ransom-based kidnapping case, involving several communications.
Friday’s release of a note gained credibility due to details like a white smartwatch on the floor beside Guthrie’s bed and a broken floodlight in the backyard. The second note arrived as a tip to KOLD, implying Guthrie passed away due to heart-related issues, and it addressed the Guthrie family. The message conveyed regret over her death, alleging that:
Her health condition was underestimated. Her demise was unintentional, and she now rests in nature.
It expressed sorrow and wished peace for the family, affirming:
Nothing could have altered the outcome.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson home on the night of January 31 after being dropped off by her family around 9:45 p.m. The FBI utilized doorbell camera footage capturing a masked armed man outside her residence, designating him as a suspect. Investigations have included detentions and searches as Guthrie’s family issued emotional requests to her captors.
On Monday, Savannah Guthrie shared a plea through social media for assistance in finding her mother, stating:
We will never stop searching for her.
She appealed for collaboration, urging:
Make the right decision. Help us locate her. The world can be harsh and unforgiving. It’s always possible to change course and bring closure to this situation.