Two letters linked to Nancy Guthrie’s alleged kidnapping have left investigators questioning their authenticity. Forensic psychologist Dr. Kris Mohandie supports the decision to release these letters, believing it might spark public interest and lead to new investigations.
“I don’t think the ransom note is real, and I don’t believe the subsequent letter is genuine,” Dr. Mohandie told Fox News Digital. “However, it’s right for law enforcement to explore this possibility.”
Some investigators are convinced that the ransom demands are false, while others prefer caution since Guthrie’s location remains unknown, according to federal law enforcement sources.
Initially, the notes were taken seriously. Heith Janke, former FBI special agent in PHX, involved Guthrie’s adult children in filming a video response to the first note. Among the children is Guthrie’s daughter, “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie.
Ransom Notes’ Authenticity in Doubt
Dr. Mohandie cautioned against seeing crime scene details, such as Guthrie’s Apple Watch or broken floodlight, as evidence of the author’s involvement. “Those two details don’t mean much to me,” Mohandie said.
The letters’ reference to Bitcoin, email communication, and unusual demands for “$4 million USD” might help identify the author, even if it’s a hoax, Mohandie said.
The devil is in the details.
Dr. Mohandie expressed doubt over the second letter as well, which claimed Guthrie died days following the kidnapping. Mohandie questioned if a kidnapper would risk exposure by sending apologetic letters using unusual words like “perished.” Still, he acknowledged the importance of pursuing leads. “Ted Kaczynski’s case was solved with a similar strategy,” Mohandie mentioned.
Hoaxes and Investigations
Even if the letters are hoaxes, identifying the sender might lead to criminal charges, as seen in Derrick Callella’s case. He pleaded guilty after sending false ransom demands to Guthrie’s family in February.
Although the contents have been public for months, grammar and punctuation details were previously accessible to few, until the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released them.
Ongoing Investigation Leads
According to Mohandie, released surveillance footage remains the most significant evidence. He believes the case resembles burglary more than an elaborate kidnapping.
The Nest doorbell video shows the only known suspect, described by the FBI as 5 feet, 9 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall, carrying a black Ozark Trail backpack.
Anyone with information can dial 1-800-CALL-FBI or anonymously call 520-88-CRIME.
The total rewards offered in the case amount to over $1.2 million, but none have been claimed.
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