Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on Feb. 1. Two days later, a ransom note arrived demanding millions in bitcoin for her release — and then a second note claimed she had died.
Background
The 84-year-old widow disappeared from her residence in early February, sparking an immediate search by authorities. Within days of her disappearance, the Guthrie family received two handwritten communications that investigators now believe came directly from whoever took Nancy Guthrie. Her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC's "Today" show, confirmed to NBC News in March that the family believes both notes are authentic. "I tend to believe those are real," she said in an interview, distinguishing them from other fraudulent correspondence the family received.
The Investigation
The first note, sent on Feb. 2 — one day after Nancy Guthrie was reported missing — was addressed specifically to Savannah Guthrie and delivered to three media outlets: two local Tucson news stations and TMZ through their online tip lines. According to investigators familiar with the case, the note contained unusually specific details about Nancy Guthrie's home, including that an Apple Watch with a white band lay on the floor of her bedroom and that her back porch light was broken. The correspondence demanded millions in cryptocurrency for her release.
A second note arrived on Feb. 6, written in similar language and style but making no financial demands. That communication revealed that Nancy Guthrie had died, according to sources who reviewed both documents. Investigators believe the same person or group sent both notes from the same computer IP address — a detail that has helped establish their authenticity, law enforcement sources indicated.
The Guthrie family responded publicly through an Instagram video posted after the second note was received. "We received your message and we understand," Savannah Guthrie said in remarks directed at her mother's captors. "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." She added: "This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."
A joint task force comprising FBI agents and Pima County detectives continues to investigate Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping and search for both her abductors and any remains. The family has posted a $1 million reward for information leading to her recovery, supplementing the FBI's existing reward of up to $100,000.
Key Takeaways
- Two ransom notes were sent to Nancy Guthrie's family — one demanding bitcoin, another claiming she had died
- Investigators believe both notes came from the same person or people using the same computer IP address
- The first note included highly specific details about her home that only someone who had been there would know
- Savannah Guthrie confirmed the family believes both authentic notes are genuine communications from captors
- A task force of FBI and Pima County detectives remains actively investigating the case
- Combined reward for information stands at $1.1 million — $1 million from the family plus up to $100,000 from the FBI
What's Next
The joint FBI-Pima County task force continues its investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance and whereabouts. Authorities have not confirmed whether her remains have been located or provided additional details about the circumstances of her alleged death. The case remains open as investigators work to identify and locate those responsible for her abduction.