Two ransom notes linked to the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie in Arizona were made public by local authorities last Friday. The aim is to generate new leads in the ongoing investigation.
The second note, dated February 6 and sent to a Tucson news outlet, claimed that Guthrie, who was 84 years old, passed away shortly after her abduction. The note mentioned, “We believe it was heart related,” and added, “She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry.”
The 84-year-old mother of “TODAY” co-host Savannah Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home on February 1. The FBI is treating her disappearance as a kidnapping for ransom.
The first note, sent on February 2 to a CBS affiliate, reported that a white smartwatch was on the floor near Guthrie’s bed and the backyard floodlight was damaged. It demanded a ransom payment of $4 million in bitcoin by February 5. It further stated that the ransom would increase to $6 million if not paid by the deadline of 5 p.m. on February 9. The note warned, “Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you,” indicating that Guthrie was aware her life was at risk.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department released the notes to encourage new leads. They observed that the notes featured a unique linguistic style, offering insights into the sender’s mindset and motives. According to the department, “The distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognizable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes’ writer,” and could assist in identifying the author.
This release followed Savannah Guthrie’s emotional plea on social media. She urged the person responsible to “do the right thing” and provide clues to find her mother.
In a heartfelt video, Savannah Guthrie declared, “It has been months since our mom was taken from us. Our family is in agony. We are in a nightmare that will not end. Nothing about our situation has changed. We have done our part, and we will never stop looking for her. We will always ache for her and feel that hole in our hearts.”
She appealed, “The world can be a cruel and unforgiving place, and I know that you have tried to do things the right way. So I am asking you — begging you — to do the right thing now. Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her. I truly believe it is never too late to do the right thing. Help us bring this situation to an end.”
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The Guthrie family is also offering a $1 million reward for her safe return.
This remains an active investigation.
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