Forensic psychologist says two distinct authors wrote Nancy Guthrie ransom notes

A forensic psychologist said the two ransom notes sent after the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie were likely written by separate people, indicating distinct motives. Gary Brucato told NewsNation journalist Brian Entin that the first note, which demanded millions in cryptocurrency, appeared to be the work of an intelligent individual, while the second, which claimed Guthrie had died and was “buried in nature,” seemed to reflect a more emotional author.

“These two ransom notes… do suggest to me two different people who are perhaps experiencing some kind of rupture in terms of their attitude about what happened,” Brucato said.

He speculated that the second note could have been written by a woman familiar with Guthrie’s daughter, Savannah Guthrie, and that it was intended to distance the writer from the case. Brucato also suggested that the masked figure seen loitering on the porch was likely a hired “goon” meant to create the impression of an outside agent, rather than one of the note writers.

“I think [it] is clear was some sort of goon that was put there to give the impression of a totally outside agent who never met this woman who came in to do the dirty work,” he said.

According to Brucato, at least three people may be involved: the “porch guy” who delivered the threat, and two separate note authors with differing psychological profiles. He described the first note’s motive as primarily financial, while the second appeared driven by emotion and regret.

The notes were mailed on Feb. 2 and Feb. 6. The first demanded $4 million in bitcoin and included details suggesting familiarity with Guthrie’s Catalina Hills home. The second, addressed to the Guthrie family, claimed the kidnappers did not intend to harm her and that she died from a heart-related condition, stating she was “buried in nature.”

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed at a Feb. 5 press conference that Guthrie’s pacemaker app disconnected at 2:28 a.m. and said the investigation remains active despite six months passing since her disappearance.