Authorities 'aware' of reports of possible ransom note in Nancy Guthrie disappearance

A source intimately connected with the Guthrie family is challenging recent reports regarding the circumstances of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance on Sunday, February 1. According to the source, essential aspects of the timeline have been inaccurately portrayed in the media.

Initial reports suggested that Nancy was expected at an in-person church service in Tucson on that morning, and her absence led to her being reported missing. However, the family source clarified that this narrative does not align with the facts.

In reality, for several years, Nancy had been following a different Sunday routine. Stemming from changes made during the COVID-19 pandemic, she and a close-knit group of friends had foregone traditional church attendance. Instead, they gathered at each other’s homes to watch a livestream of a New York-based church service.

This particular service was broadcast from the church attended by Savannah Guthrie, the well-known “TODAY” show co-anchor and Nancy’s daughter. This Sunday tradition had become a staple for Nancy and her friends.

Nancy Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie posing together for a photo.

On February 1, Nancy was expected at a friend’s home for their usual viewing of the service. Her absence that morning raised alarms among the group, prompting their concern and subsequent actions.

On Sunday, Feb. 1, Nancy was expected to be at a friend’s home to watch the livestream, as she had done every week. When she failed to arrive, members of the friend group became concerned.

According to the source, one of the friends contacted Annie — Nancy’s daughter and Savannah Guthrie’s sister — to report that Nancy had not shown up and could not be located.

The source emphasized that Nancy was never scheduled to attend a Tucson church service that day, contrary to some reports, and said the misunderstanding has led to confusion about the circumstances surrounding when she was first reported missing.

Police car in front of Nancy's house.

A Pima County Sheriff Department vehicle is parked out front of Nancy Guthrie’s home on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026 in Tucson, Ariz.  (AP Photo/Ty ONeil)

As the search intensified, Savannah Guthrie made an emotional public plea for help, describing the situation as an “hour of desperation” as authorities investigated an alleged ransom note tied to her mother’s disappearance.

Savannah urged anyone with information to come forward as investigators worked against a looming deadline outlined in the note, which authorities have not publicly authenticated.

The final deadline outlined in the alleged ransom note passed Monday night without any proof of life or resolution.

FBI agents canvassing a residential neighborhood near Nancy Guthrie's home.

FBI agents canvass homes near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Friday, Feb. 6, 2026. Guthrie was last seen on Saturday night as an investigation into her disappearance continues. (Kat Ramirez for Fox News Digital)

At the same time, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it was pursuing what it described as “new leads” in the case, but confirmed investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest or vehicles connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

“The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains active and ongoing,” a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed Monday evening.

“We understand the significant public interest in this case; however, investigators need time and space to do their work. If and when relevant information becomes available, it will be shared,” the spokesperson added.

The department said there are no press briefings scheduled at this time, but noted a press conference would be called if a significant development occurs.

Sheriff’s officials also confirmed an active law enforcement presence will continue at the Guthrie residences through the night and into Tuesday as part of the ongoing investigation, including expanded search efforts and follow-up on new leads.

“To preserve the integrity of this criminal investigation, details of that process are not being released at this time,” authorities said.

Officials emphasized the scale of the public response so far.

“Thousands of calls have been received across multiple tip lines, and investigators continue to review them,” the spokesperson said.

Anyone who believes they have information that may assist investigators is asked to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department non-emergency line at 520-351-4900, or 88-CRIME.

Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.

You May Also Like
Seafood worker charged in stabbing near Nantucket ferry docks says video backs self-defense in wealthy enclave

Nantucket Ferry Dock Stabbing: Seafood Worker Says Video Proves Self-Defense in High-Profile Case

A seafood delivery worker charged in a stabbing near Nantucket’s crowded ferry…
Woman upset over Taco Bell wait time allegedly flashed gun, challenged workers to fight outside

Police: Woman Angry Over Taco Bell Wait Flashes Gun, Dares Employees to Fight Outside

A dispute over a delayed Taco Bell order in Maryland escalated when…
Hakeem Jefferies says Mamdani has 'work to do' to make up with Congressional Dems after socialist radicals unseat incumbents

Hakeem Jeffries Says Zohran Mamdani Must Repair Ties With House Democrats After Socialist Primary Wins

WASHINGTON — House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) said Wednesday that New…
President Donald Trump holds tense meeting with Senate Republicans after calling off signing ceremony for housing bill

Trump Faces Senate Republicans in Tense Showdown After Canceling Housing Bill Signing

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump sharply criticized Senate Republicans during a Wednesday…
Venezuela reeling after powerful twin earthquakes kill at least 32 people as promises of aid pour in amid airport closure

Twin Earthquakes Devastate Venezuela, Killing 32 as Aid Pledges Surge and Airport Closure Slows Relief

CARACAS, Venezuela — A pair of powerful earthquakes rattled Venezuela within a…
Two NJ women killed in hit-and-run crash as they walked home from World Cup watch party

Two New Jersey Women Killed in Hit-and-Run While Walking Home From World Cup Watch Party

Two New Jersey women were killed Saturday while walking home from a…
Bill Gates said Epstein tried to use knowledge of his affairs

Bill Gates Says Jeffrey Epstein Tried to Leverage Knowledge of His Private Life

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates told congressional investigators he believed Jeffrey Epstein may…
Officials ask for help identifying person in Reflecting Pool damage investigation

Officials Seek Public Help to Identify Suspect in Reflecting Pool Damage Investigation

The U.S. Park Police is asking for help from the public to…
Austin Metcalf's coach heard pleading 'Stay with me' in frenzied 911 call moments after Karmelo Anthony's attack

Frenzied 911 Call Captures Austin Metcalf’s Coach Pleading Stay With Me After Karmelo Anthony Attack

A newly released, chaotic 911 call captured the desperate pleas of Austin…
Woman who fatally stabbed Long Island man claims he drugged her, claims self-defense

Long Island Stabbing Suspect Says Victim Drugged Her Before Fatal Attack, Claims Self-Defense

A woman accused of fatally stabbing a Long Island man inside his…
Dating-app charmer accused of murder after history of domestic arrests involving women he met online

Man Accused of Murder Had Domestic Arrest History With Women He Met on Dating Apps

A Connecticut man charged with killing his girlfriend months after she was…
Brawl breaks out between street vendors in LA as woman weaponizes Tajín

Street Vendor Fight in Los Angeles Turns Chaotic After Woman Uses Tajín in Clash

Authorities are looking into a violent clash involving a longtime street vendor…