TUCSON, Ariz. – Two media outlets have reportedly received potential ransom notes connected to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. These notes allegedly contain “sensitive information” that could only be known to the individual responsible for her disappearance.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her residence in Tucson around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, as stated by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Although initial details about her disappearance were sparse, Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed on Monday that “we do, in fact, have a crime.” A source within law enforcement informed Fox News Digital of the discovery of “blood drops” leading from the front entrance of her home down the path to the driveway.
Authorities from the Pima County Sheriff’s Office believe Nancy Guthrie may have been kidnapped or abducted. One of the ransom notes received, as reported by TMZ, included a specific deadline.
An undated photograph of Nancy Guthrie alongside her daughter, Savannah Guthrie, was shared by NBC in light of the situation. Savannah Guthrie is a prominent host on NBC’s “Today” show, which has brought increased attention to this distressing incident.
A spokesperson from the Pima County Sheriff’s Office reiterated to Fox News Digital, “Sheriff Nanos has stated that he believes a crime has been committed.” Investigators currently suspect that Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home against her will, indicating a potential kidnapping or abduction scenario.
“Sheriff [Chris] Nanos has stated that he believes that a crime has been committed,” a spokesperson for Pima County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital. “At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction.”
Following Tuesday’s news conference by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, TMZ and Tucson’s CBS affiliate both reported receiving possible ransom notes related to Nancy Guthrie. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it was “aware” of the possible ransom note and would be investigating it further.
TMZ reported receiving a possible ransom note that demanded millions of dollars be sent in cryptocurrency to a specific Bitcoin address. The note allegedly contained a deadline. The note TMZ received reportedly contained “an element of ‘or else.’”
Neighbors of Nancy Guthrie, the daughter of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, show support for the family in metro Tucson, Ariz., on Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026, as the search continues to find Nancy, who was reported missing. (Sejal Govindarao/AP Photo)
While TMZ initially reported the alleged note said Nancy Guthrie was wearing a specific item of clothing, it later clarified that the note says she wasn’t wearing it.
The possible ransom note, which was given to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, also described an item at Nancy Guthrie’s home that was apparently damaged.
KOLD, Tucson’s CBS affiliate, reported they received an email on Monday night that appeared to be a possible ransom note and said it had been forwarded to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
In an interview on CNN, KOLD Anchor Mary Coleman said the possible ransom note contained information that “only someone who is holding [Nancy Guthrie] for ransom, would know.”
“Very sensitive information and things that people who weren’t there when she was taken captive wouldn’t know,” Coleman said.
Coleman said some of the details in the letter indicated it “might not be a hoax.”
KGUN-TV in Tucson says it received a ransom note referencing Nancy Guthrie. The Scripps station says the alleged letter includes two specific deadlines and reportedly refers to evidence at the crime scene, neither of which have been authenticated by police. KGUN-TV says it forwarded the note to investigators.
An undated photo of Nancy Guthrie was provided by NBC in response to the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host, Savannah Guthrie. (Courtesy of NBC)
In an Instagram video posted on Wednesday night, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings pleaded with whomever took their mother to make contact.
“Our mom is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light,” Savannah Guthrie said. “She’s funny, spunky. She has grandchildren that adore her and crowd around her and cover her with kisses. She loves fun and adventure. She is a devoted friend. She is full of kindness and knowledge. Talk to her and you’ll see.”
Aerial drone shots of missing person Nancy Guthrie’s home on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, is suspected of being abducted from her home earlier this week. (Fox Flight Team)
“Our mom is our heart and our home. Her health, her heart is fragile,” she continued. “She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs not to suffer. We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can,” she added.
“We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” Savannah Guthrie. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”
