Pima County releases ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case, seeks public help

Pima County Sheriff’s Office released two ransom notes tied to the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, in an effort to generate leads from the public. The first note, dated Feb. 2, claimed the victim was safe but frightened and demanded a $4 million cryptocurrency payment, threatening to kill her if the demand was not met. The second note, dated Feb. 6, asserted that Guthrie had died shortly after being taken and included an apology.

"Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands," the first note read.

"She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We are truly sorry," the second note stated.

Sheriff Chris Nanos said the notes contain distinctive linguistic patterns that might be recognizable to someone familiar with the writer’s style, echoing past cases where handwriting analysis helped identify suspects. The department also asked anyone with information to come forward, acknowledging that personal relationships or safety concerns might deter witnesses.

"We recognize relationships and loyalties change over time as do people and their perspectives. It is not too late to come forward," the sheriff’s office wrote.

Investigators noted that two doorbell-camera videos recovered from Guthrie’s home appear to show a male suspect preparing for the abduction on separate days. They are seeking tips about individuals who altered their appearance, left the Tucson area, or displayed unusual interest in the case.

Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have repeatedly appealed for proof of their mother’s whereabouts and have indicated a willingness to meet ransom demands, though no direct contact with the kidnappers has been confirmed.

Separately, two men briefly detained during the investigation have filed a $3 million claim alleging wrongful arrest, a lawsuit that the sheriff’s office has not commented on.