Police Release Ransom Notes in Savannah Guthrie Case

By the Editorial Team · Sunday, August 2, 2026

Authorities in Tucson released two ransom notes linked to the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, revealing demands for Bitcoin and later claiming Nancy died from a heart condition shortly after the kidnapping. The distinct language patterns in the notes could help identify the sender, and the family has offered a $1 million reward as the investigation continues.

Authorities in Tucson, Arizona, have released two ransom notes connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. The notes were sent to a local television station days after Guthrie, 84, was abducted from her home on January 31.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which has faced scrutiny over its handling of the case, said the ransom notes exhibit distinctive linguistic patterns that could help identify the writer. Officials noted that the specific word choices, syntax, and phrasing in the letters reflect a unique style that might be recognized by someone familiar with the author. They added that the notes provide insight into the suspect’s mental state and motivations, as well as an evolving tone throughout the correspondence.

The first note, addressed directly to Savannah Guthrie, described her mother as “safe but scared” and demanded a ransom of $4 million in Bitcoin, with an increase to $6 million if the initial deadline was missed. It warned against involving law enforcement, stating, “Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you.”

Days later, a second note was sent to the Guthrie family, in which the sender expressed remorse and acknowledged the mother’s deteriorating health. The letter stated that Nancy Guthrie died shortly after her abduction, likely due to a heart-related condition. The note explained that the kidnappers had not intended to cause harm and said she was “buried in nature now.” It concluded by offering condolences and urging the family to find peace.

Nancy Guthrie was known to have a serious heart condition, which authorities believe played a role in her death. The family has since offered a $1 million reward for information that could lead to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie or the apprehension of those responsible.

The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement continuing efforts to gather leads and identify suspects tied to the case. The release of the ransom notes aims to generate tips from the public that could assist in resolving the incident.

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