Details of First Ransom Note in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Released
The initial ransom note demanding millions in bitcoin for the release of Nancy Guthrie, missing since Jan. 31, was read on a true-crime podcast, and authorities continue to investigate its authenticity.
Police say Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Tucson home on the morning of Jan. 31 after a masked individual was captured on surveillance tampering with her doorbell camera. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation and has asked anyone with information to call 520-351-4900 or the FBI hotline.
Crime journalist Briana Whitney read the first ransom note on the Crime Junkie podcast, stating it was addressed to Guthrie’s daughter, Savannah. The note claimed the mother was "safe but scared" and demanded a payment of $4 million in bitcoin by Feb. 5, with a higher demand of $6 million by Feb. 9 if the first deadline was missed. It warned that failure to meet the second deadline would result in the victim’s death and instructed the recipient not to involve law enforcement.
"Once payment is received to the Bitcoin address below, she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop-off location back in Tucson," Whitney recited.
The message also included details about Guthrie’s home, such as a white smartwatch found near her bed and a damaged backyard floodlight. FBI officials have not confirmed whether the note is genuine, and the sheriff’s office said it has no further information to release.
A second note, reported earlier, claimed the 84-year-old victim was dead but did not request additional payment. Savannah Guthrie, who returned to the Today show on April 6 after a two-month absence, has appealed for public assistance in the case.