Investigators have released two ransom notes linked to the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie from her Tucson home in February. Despite extensive efforts by federal and local law enforcement over nearly six months, Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie from the ‘Today’ show, remains missing.
This case has garnered national attention, especially with the full public release of the letters. Portions of the ransom notes have been previously shared by media outlets based on law enforcement information, but Friday marked their complete disclosure. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued a plea for any potential information, citing the potential changing relationships and loyalties over time.
In some cases, there are times when people who may have knowledge initially do not come forward. This may be due to their close relationships with those who might be involved as well as a concern for their own safety, reputation, or standing in the community and amongst their friends," the department noted.
According to the department, It is not too late to come forward. Regardless of how insignificant you think your information may be, or whether you think we are already aware of it, please contact us.
The first ransom note, delivered to television news station KOLD soon after Guthrie’s disappearance, was addressed to Savannah Guthrie. It demanded $4 million in bitcoin by 5 p.m. on February 5 and threatened to raise the amount to $6 million if the deadline was missed.
The letter stated that Guthrie would be held for a maximum of seven days. If payment is not received by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5 p.m., she will be killed. Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible," the note warns.
The FBI’s Phoenix office acknowledged that some ransom notes are potentially legitimate, while others are suspected extortion attempts. They emphasized the ongoing investigation as a kidnapping for ransom case.
The note released recently has gained credibility due to specific details such as a reference to a white smart watch left at the foot of Guthrie’s bed and a broken floodlight in her backyard.
A second note also sent as a tip to KOLD claimed that Guthrie had died likely from heart issues and was addressed to her entire family. The letter states, We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her. She perished shortly after she was taken."
The sender expressed remorse and conveyed that Guthrie was now buried in nature
, requesting the family to find peace.
Guthrie was last seen on the night before her disappearance when family dropped her off at home around 9:45 p.m. The FBI extracted doorbell camera images of a masked man outside her home on the morning she went missing, identifying him as a suspect.
Throughout the investigation, several detentions and searches occurred, with the Guthrie family making emotional appeals. Savannah Guthrie posted a video urging for help, reiterating their relentless pursuit to find her mother.
Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her," she implored, expressing hope for an end to the ordeal and a belief in the possibility of redemption.