Authorities Release Ransom Notes in Search for Missing Mother of TV Host Savannah Guthrie

PHOENIX: Authorities in Arizona have released two ransom notes linked to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, in the hope that someone will recognize the writing style and provide crucial leads in the six-month-old investigation.

The first note, sent on Feb. 2 to a Tucson television station, claimed that Nancy Guthrie was “safe but scared” and demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency for her release. It warned that the ransom would increase if payment was not made and threatened to kill her if authorities became involved. The note also contained details from Guthrie’s home that investigators believe only someone connected to the abduction would likely know.

A second note, received on Feb. 6, claimed that Guthrie had died shortly after her kidnapping and stated that she was “buried in nature.” The message apologized to her family but authorities have stressed that they have not confirmed whether Nancy Guthrie is alive or deceased.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the handwriting and language used in the notes contain distinctive characteristics that could be recognized by someone familiar with the author. Investigators are urging members of the public to carefully review the released documents and report any information that could help identify those responsible.

Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her home outside Tucson on Feb. 1, and no suspects have been arrested. Investigators continue to examine surveillance footage, forensic evidence, and other leads while seeking to determine how many people may have been involved in the suspected kidnapping.

Earlier this week, Savannah Guthrie issued an emotional public appeal, describing the past six months as an “unending nightmare” and pleading with those responsible to reveal her mother’s whereabouts. The family continues to offer a substantial reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery as federal and local authorities pursue the investigation.