Sheriff Releases Chilling Ransom Notes in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

Authorities have released two ransom notes sent during the opening days of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, hoping someone will recognize the writer’s distinctive language and help identify the person responsible.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI Phoenix Field Office released the communications Friday, nearly six months after the 84-year-old mother of “Today” cohost Savannah Guthrie disappeared.

Guthrie was last seen on Feb. 1 and is believed to have been abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona. She has never been found, and authorities have not confirmed whether she is alive or dead.

Investigators said the ransom notes contain recognizable patterns that could lead someone familiar with the writer to come forward.

“These communications reveal distinctive patterns of word choice, syntax, and phraseology that reflect the writer’s unique linguistic style,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said. “They also provide valuable insight into the person’s mindset, motives, and the evolution of their tone over time.”

“We believe these distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognizable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes’ writer,” the department continued. “A friend, family member, coworker, classmate, or acquaintance may recognize these patterns of expression and possess information that could help identify the individual responsible.”

First Note Demanded Bitcoin Ransom

The first note was sent to Tucson CBS affiliate KOLD-TV on Feb. 2, one day after Guthrie disappeared.

Addressed to Savannah Guthrie, it demanded that the television host pay a ransom in bitcoin in exchange for her elderly mother’s safe release.

The note stated in full:

“We have your mother Nancy. She is safe but scared. She will be held for ransom and once payment is received she will be released unharmed. If payment is not received by the last deadline on [Feb. 9 at 5 p.m.], she will be killed.”

Second Note Claimed Guthrie Had Died

KOLD-TV received a second note on Feb. 6, this time addressed to the entire Guthrie family.

Instead of repeating the demand for payment, the writer claimed Guthrie had died shortly after being abducted because those holding her had underestimated the seriousness of her medical condition.

The second note stated in full:

“We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now.”

Authorities have not verified that claim.

The writer provided no proof that Guthrie had been held captive and no evidence establishing that she had died. Her death therefore remains unconfirmed, and investigators continue searching for her.

At the time of her disappearance, Guthrie was in extremely fragile health. She suffered from a heart condition, relied on a pacemaker and required daily medication, making the passage of time particularly dangerous.

Savannah Guthrie Begs for Mother’s Location

Savannah Guthrie released another emotional video on social media this week, pleading with anyone responsible for her mother’s disappearance to reveal her location.

“I’m asking you, begging you, to do the right thing now,” she said. “Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her.”

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues investigating the case in coordination with the FBI.

Authorities are asking the public to examine not only the information contained in the notes, but also the writer’s vocabulary, sentence structure and unusual phrasing. Investigators believe those characteristics could be familiar to someone who has received messages, emails or other communications from the same person.

“Regardless of how insignificant you think your information may be, or whether you think we are already aware of it, please contact us,” the department said.

A reward is being offered for information that generates new leads in the investigation.