Investigators Release Ransom Notes in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case

The Pima County Sheriff's Department has released the full text of two ransom notes purportedly written by the kidnappers of Nancy Guthrie, the 84 year old mother of Today show co host Savannah Guthrie. The notes were published on July 31, six months after Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on January 31. Investigators hope that the distinctive patterns of word choice, syntax, and phraseology in the letters will help the public identify the author.

The first note, dated February 2, demanded a ransom of 4 million US dollars in bitcoin within three days. It warned that the amount would increase to 6 million US dollars by February 9 and threatened that the victim would be killed if the demands were not met. To authenticate the claim, the note mentioned that Guthrie's wristwatch was left on the floor by her bed and a backyard floodlight had been destroyed.

A second note, dated February 6, informed the family that Nancy Guthrie had died shortly after her abduction. The authors stated they did not grasp the seriousness of her physical condition and believed her death was heart related. The note claimed she is buried in nature and concluded with an apology to the family.

Nancy Guthrie, who was in frail health and dependent on medication, was first reported missing on February 1 after she missed a church service. Investigators found blood on her front porch, which was later confirmed via DNA to be hers. Essential items, including her wallet, cellphone, and hearing aids, were left behind. On February 10, the FBI and local sheriff released surveillance footage of an armed prowler in a ski mask tampering with a doorbell camera. Authorities suggest the suspect may have experienced a sudden change in mood or appearance around the time of the crime.

Savannah Guthrie has made several public appeals via social media, including a recent video asking the kidnappers to tell the family where to look for her mother. The case has drawn significant attention, involving the FBI and President Donald Trump.