Sheriff's Office Publishes Full Ransom Notes in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Case

Investigators in Pima County, Arizona, have made public the entire text of two ransom notes linked to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, hoping that the distinctive language used may be recognized by someone familiar with the writer. The sheriff’s department and the FBI said the notes display unique word choice, syntax and phrasing that could reveal the author’s mindset and motives.

The first note, sent a day after Guthrie’s disappearance, claimed she was being held for a $4 million bitcoin ransom and warned that she would be killed if payment was not received by a specified deadline. The message was addressed to NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie and warned that law enforcement could not be contacted.

A second note, dated February 6, was addressed to the Guthrie family and claimed the victim had died of a heart-related condition shortly after being taken. It expressed regret and offered condolences.

Law enforcement officials emphasized that anyone who may have observed unusual behavior around the time of the disappearance—such as sudden mood changes, injuries, vehicle repairs, or altered routines—should come forward. The FBI has also released video footage showing a masked individual near Guthrie’s front door on two occasions.

Investigators continue to pursue forensic leads, including DNA analysis of hair found in the home, though it has not yet identified a suspect. Authorities are urging the public to examine the notes for recognizable linguistic patterns that could assist in identifying the perpetrator.