Ransom note claims Nancy Guthrie died after abduction

Tue Jun 23 2026 05:11:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A ransom note sent days after 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie’s abduction claimed she had died. Investigations continue as authorities probe the case.

A ransom note sent two weeks after 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie was taken from her Tucson home claimed she had died, driving new questions over the validity of the letters. Authorities say the note may not be authentic, while the family insists on its truth. The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department continue a months‑long search, offering a combined reward and demanding additional evidence. The case highlights the danger of sensationalized communications as the story unfolds, with the mother’s health and medication status being a critical concern. Amidst uncertainty, Savannah Guthrie has stepped back from her hosting role and remains hopeful they might locate her mother.

Ransom note claims Nancy Guthrie died after abduction

A ransom note sent days after the January abduction of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, claimed the girl had died. The note was one of two addressed to the family and forwarded to media outlets, but law‑enforcement officials have not yet confirmed its authenticity.

The first note demanded millions in bitcoin for her release, whereas the second apologized for her apparent death and stated that the kidnappers had not intended to kill her. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department says the investigation remains active and is working closely with the FBI to follow up on leads and review evidence.

The family believes the letters are genuine, while authorities caution that sensationalized communications may be fabricated or used to distract from the real case. Lawyers and investigators have asked the public to avoid revealing any details from the notes while an inquiry is underway.

After the kidnapping, Nancy was last seen on 31 January, when she was dropped off by relatives. She failed to attend a virtual Sunday church service the next day, raising alarm among friends and family.

Officials report that Nancy is in poor health and has not obtained her critical medication, heightening the urgency of the search. Law‑enforcement teams released security-camera footage showing an unidentified masked person outside her home.

The Guthrie family has offered a $1 million reward and the FBI has pledged a $100 000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s return. Despite the uncertainty, Savannah remains hopeful; in March she told NBC that while she believes some notes may not be real, the initial offers were authentic.

The mother’s disappearance attracted widespread media coverage and sparked a national conversation about missing persons, ransom demands and the safety of elderly parents in the United States.

A video released by authorities in February shows a masked individual outside Nancy Guthrie’s home. The footage was shared in the hopes of identifying the suspect.

The case continues to draw attention as Zian Hutson, sheriff’s body‑camera footage and public tips are monitored for clues that might bring Nancy back home.