Second ransom note claims Nancy Guthrie died shortly after abduction, sources say
A second note sent to media outlets in February claimed that Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, died shortly after being abducted from her Arizona home, according to sources cited by multiple news organizations.
The notes
Two notes were sent to news media in the days after Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson home on 31 January. The first, sent the following day, demanded millions in bitcoin for her release and included specific details about her home and bedroom, investigators told CBS. The second note, dated 6 February, stated that she had died, according to sources cited by NBC News, CBS, and others. The language resembled the first note but contained no new demands, NBC reported. Air Mail, however, said the second note offered an apology and further demands for money to reclaim her body, a discrepancy among outlets.
We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.
Family response
On 7 February, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a video on Instagram addressing the kidnappers directly. They acknowledged receiving a message and pleaded for their mother's return, indicating a willingness to pay. The family had already offered a $1 million reward, with an additional $100,000 pledged by the FBI. On 24 February, Savannah Guthrie said they would keep hope even though they "know that she may be lost, she may already be gone."
Investigation details
Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will. Blood marks on her porch matched her DNA, and a security camera had been unplugged. The FBI discovered doorbell footage on 10 February showing a masked and armed individual. A glove found near the home yielded DNA from someone other than Nancy Guthrie, and analysis was pending quality control before comparison to national databases. A person of interest was arrested days after the footage emerged but was released shortly after. The Pima County Sheriff's Department said the investigation "remains active and ongoing."
- Nancy Guthrie last seen at her Tucson home.
- First ransom note demanding bitcoin sent to media.
- Second note sent, claiming she died after abduction.
- Savannah Guthrie posts video offering to pay for mother's return.
- FBI releases doorbell footage of masked intruder.
- Savannah Guthrie says family keeps hope but acknowledges she may be gone.
Public attention
The case drew national attention, with President Donald Trump and the FBI becoming involved. Nancy Guthrie, who had a heart condition and required medication, was last seen on the evening of 31 January. The family's public appeals and the involvement of a high-profile television personality kept the story in the headlines for months.
