A purported ransom note containing specific details about the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has emerged as authorities continue their investigation into what they believe was an abduction from her Tucson, Arizona, home.
The note, sent to local news station KOLD-TV and other media outlets including TMZ and KGUN, contained detailed information about Nancy Guthrie’s home and the clothing she was wearing Saturday night, January 31, when she disappeared, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. Multiple media outlets received ransom notes demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin for her safe return.
“It’s like any piece of evidence. You give it to us, you give us a lead, we’re going to look at every aspect of that lead,” Nanos told reporters Tuesday, February 3.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday, February 1, after she failed to attend church that morning. A church friend became concerned and called the family, who discovered she was not at home. The last confirmed sighting was Saturday night, January 31, when she was dropped off at her home by her son-in-law at 9:30 p.m.
Evidence collected from the scene has heightened concerns about her safety. Blood was found at the residence, and investigators discovered signs of forced entry. Homicide detectives were called to the scene, and DNA samples have been collected from the residence.
Digital evidence has also provided crucial timeline information. Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker stopped syncing with her iPhone around 2 a.m. on Sunday.
Nancy Guthrie is sharp mentally with no cognitive issues, according to the sheriff, but she has limited mobility and could not walk a long distance without assistance. These physical limitations make it unlikely she wandered away from her home on her own.
The time-sensitive nature of the investigation centers on Nancy Guthrie’s medical needs. She requires daily medication to survive, and the lack of medication could be fatal, according to authorities. “The clock is literally ticking,” Nanos said.
The case has been complicated by the receipt of multiple threatening communications. The FBI is investigating threatening letters sent to Savannah Guthrie. One letter referenced Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, and the January 6 Capitol riot, adding another disturbing dimension to the case.
Despite the intensive investigation, no suspects have been identified. The sheriff’s department released a statement addressing speculation about possible persons of interest.
“At this point, investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case,” the department stated. “While we appreciate the public’s concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.”
Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Nancy Guthrie and are working closely with her family. The investigation has expanded to include federal resources, with the FBI coordinating with local detectives.
Additional federal assistance has been provided to support the search efforts. Customs and Border Patrol is providing sniffer dogs for ground searches. The location of Nancy Guthrie’s home, just 70 miles from the Mexican border, has prompted this additional federal involvement.
President Trump has pledged support for the investigation. He said he would provide resources to help with the search.
The disappearance has significantly impacted Savannah Guthrie’s professional commitments. She pulled out of NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, where she had been scheduled to serve as a host. The Today show co-host, who has been with NBC News for nearly two decades, has remained in Tucson to be with her family during the search.
The ransom note’s authenticity remains under investigation. The notes contained specific demands for Bitcoin payment.
Investigators are examining all aspects of the case, including the timeline of events from Saturday night, January 31. By 9:45 p.m., she was inside her residence. The pacemaker data suggests something occurred in the early morning hours of Sunday, around 2 a.m., when the device lost connection with her iPhone.
The scene at Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson has been processed extensively by forensic teams. Evidence collection included DNA sampling and analysis of the blood found at the scene.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to coordinate with federal agencies as the investigation progresses. Authorities are pursuing all leads and analyzing all evidence, including the purported ransom notes that have surfaced.
The public has been asked to come forward with any information that might assist in locating Nancy Guthrie. The sheriff’s department emphasized that all tips and leads are being taken seriously. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department tip line.
As of Tuesday, Feb. 4, authorities remain focused on finding Nancy Guthrie and bringing her home safely. The search continues with the full support of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working in coordination to resolve this case.