Alleged ransom notes despatched to information retailers as Nancy Guthrie search enters 4th day – Nationwide
Police in Arizona say they’re investigating the legitimacy of a number of suspected ransom notes despatched to media retailers across the space the place Nancy Guthrie, the mom of Savannah Guthrie — who hosts NBC’s morning present In the present day — was allegedly kidnapped.
Not less than three completely different media retailers, TMZ and two of CNN’s Tucson associates, KOLD and KGUN, reported receiving the purported ransom notes demanding thousands and thousands in bitcoin for Guthrie’s launch.
Police haven’t decided whether or not the notes are official, however informed reporters on Tuesday that they’re being taken severely.
“When the notice involves us, it’s like every piece of proof. You give it to us. You give us a lead. We’re going to take a look at each side of that lead and work it as a lead,” Sheriff Chris Nanos stated.
Nanos stated TMZ reported receiving the notice earlier than alerting authorities.
The retailers that reported receiving the ransom notice stated it contained particular details about the within of Guthrie’s house, however didn’t present any additional particulars. Nanos has not confirmed whether or not the contents of the notes match the crime scene. He stated that the notes had been shared with Savannah Guthrie.
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In a brand new interview with NBC’s Liz Kreutz on In the present day on Wednesday morning, Nanos stated, “We have now nothing else to go on however the perception that she is right here.”
“We wish to save her,” he continued.
In an announcement posted on X on Tuesday afternoon, the Pima County Sheriff’s Division stated it was conscious of stories of ransom notes and that it was working carefully with the FBI.
Investigators imagine Guthrie, 84, was taken from her house in Tucson, Ariz., in opposition to her will.
Nanos stated Guthrie has restricted mobility and famous different components indicating she didn’t go away on her personal, however declined to elaborate additional.
Guthrie, who lived alone, was of sound thoughts, he added.
“This isn’t dementia-related. She’s as sharp as a tack. The household desires everybody to know that this isn’t somebody who simply wandered off,” Nanos stated, including that she wants each day treatment.
Nanos stated at a information convention Sunday night time that Guthrie was final seen round 9:30 p.m. Saturday at her house within the Tucson space.
Her household reported her lacking round midday Sunday. The sheriff stated a member of the family obtained a name from somebody at church saying Nancy Guthrie wasn’t there, main household to seek for her at her house after which calling 911.
This picture offered by the Pima County Sheriff’s Division on Feb. 2, 2026, reveals a lacking particular person alert for Nancy Guthrie.
Pima County Sheriff’s Division through AP
Nanos informed CBS Information that safety footage from Guthrie’s house revealed nothing as a result of it was doubtless auto-deleted after a sure interval. It should be obtained through forensic means, he stated.
A search utilizing canines, drones and supported by border patrol brokers and a murder unit was triggered over the weekend however has since been pulled again, Nanos stated. It isn’t customary for the murder crew to get entangled in such instances, he added.
“This one stood out due to what was described to us on the scene and what we positioned simply trying on the scene,” Nanos stated Sunday. He was not ruling out foul play.
“We don’t see this as a search mission a lot as it’s a crime scene,” the sheriff stated on Monday.
A small quantity of blood was discovered contained in the Tucson house, a legislation enforcement supply informed CBS Information. As of this writing, it has not been confirmed whose blood was on the scene. Exams are presently being performed to find out its origin.
Savannah Guthrie issued an announcement on Monday about her mom’s disappearance.
“On behalf of our household, I wish to thank everybody for the ideas, prayers and messages of assist,” she stated. “Proper now, our focus stays on the protected return of our pricey Nancy.”
— With recordsdata from World Information’ Katie Scott
© 2026 World Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.
