Pima County releases ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie disappearance case

Authorities in Tucson released two ransom notes connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie, in hopes that someone will recognize the writer’s style. The first note, dated Feb. 2, claimed Guthrie was safe but frightened and demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency, warning that the amount would rise if the demand was not met and threatening to kill her if payment was not received. It stated, "Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible."

A second note sent later to the family said Guthrie died shortly after being taken, adding, "She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome," and concluded with an apology. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the notes contain distinctive linguistic patterns that could be recognizable to someone familiar with the writer.

The department also appealed for information, acknowledging that personal relationships or safety concerns might deter witnesses, and emphasized that it is not too late to come forward. Investigators noted two doorbell-camera videos that may show an unidentified male preparing before the abduction and are seeking tips about anyone who changed appearance, left the area, or displayed unusual interest in the case.

Separately, two men detained early in the investigation, Carlos Alfredo Palazuelos and Daniel Maddow, filed a claim seeking $3 million, alleging wrongful detention by the sheriff’s office. The sheriff’s office declined to comment on the claim.