Nancy Guthrie disappearance: Ransom notes released by authorities

Nancy Guthrie Savannah Guthrie kidnapping investigation ransom notes Pima County

The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC's Savannah Guthrie, continues following the release of two purported ransom notes. The notes, dated February 2 and February 6, 2026, were reportedly sent to the family. The first message demanded $4 million in Bitcoin, claiming Nancy was "safe but scared." The second message claimed she had died from a heart-related condition shortly after being taken and was "buried in nature."

Authorities have not verified the authenticity of these notes, and some forensic experts have suggested they may be a hoax or related to a burglary rather than a kidnapping. However, the Pima County Sheriff's Office reported a "slight increase" in tips since the notes were made public.

Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson, Arizona, in early February. Investigators have released surveillance footage showing a masked individual at her residence. Despite the passage of time and a $1 million reward offered by the family, no suspects have been identified, and the case remains unresolved.

Entities

FBI · Nancy Guthrie · Pima County Sheriff's Department · Pima County Sheriff's Office · Savannah Guthrie · Tucson · Tucson, Arizona

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 4 SOURCES] A first ransom note dated February 2 claimed Nancy Guthrie was safe but held for a ransom demand of $4 million in Bitcoin. dyingwords.net · internewscast.com · www.fox10phoenix.com · www.ibtimes.co.uk
[● 2 SOURCES] Authorities have followed up on all tips received following the public release of the ransom notes. internewscast.com · www.fox10phoenix.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] The Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward for information regarding the case. www.fox10phoenix.com
[● 3 SOURCES] The release of two ransom notes has led to a slight increase in tips for the Nancy Guthrie investigation. internewscast.com · www.fox10phoenix.com · www.ibtimes.co.uk
[● 2 SOURCES] The FBI and local police released surveillance footage showing a masked individual at Nancy Guthrie's residence. dyingwords.net · www.fox10phoenix.com
[● 3 SOURCES] A second note dated February 6 claimed Guthrie had died from a heart-related condition shortly after her abduction. internewscast.com · www.fox10phoenix.com · www.ibtimes.co.uk