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The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has taken a chilling turn. What began as a missing person case in Arizona is now being investigated as a suspected abduction. Reports of an alleged ransom note have intensified fears for her safety.
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Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday after failing to attend her regular church service in Arizona. Police quickly noted suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance and began treating the case as a criminal matter, as per a report by Reality Tea.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that investigators believe she was abducted from her home in the middle of the night over the weekend, describing the residence as “a crime scene.” Authorities have been searching for her since Sunday.
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TMZ reported on Tuesday that it received an alleged ransom note connected to the case. According to the outlet, the note demands millions in Bitcoin and includes a deadline with an implied threat. TMZ said the Bitcoin address listed in the message is real, though the exact amount demanded was not disclosed.
Sheriff Nanos later confirmed to CBS News that a ransom note was also sent to a local Arizona news station on Monday. The station agreed not to report on it at the time, as per a report by Reality Tea and CBS News.
Yes. Sheriff Nanos said investigators have analyzed the note and are treating it as credible. He stated that the message included specific details about Nancy Guthrie’s home and what she was wearing the night she disappeared, though he would not confirm the accuracy of those details or the note’s legitimacy, as per a report by Reality Tea and CBS News.
The FBI reviewed the note and made the decision to share it with Savannah Guthrie. Authorities had hoped to keep the information from becoming public, but TMZ obtained the note and reported on it before contacting the sheriff’s office, Nanos said.
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Surveillance footage from a home security system has not provided immediate answers. Nanos told CBS News that investigators believe the system may have automatically deleted video after a short period. Forensic teams are now attempting to recover the footage, as per a report by Reality Tea and CBS News.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said earlier it was aware of “reports circulating about possible ransom note(s)” and emphasized that all information is being handled by detectives coordinating with the FBI.
Savannah Guthrie has not appeared on Today since learning of her mother’s disappearance. Sources say she is unlikely to co-host NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies in Italy, as her focus remains on her mother’s safety.
Savannah has previously described her mother as “sharp as a tack,” but family members are deeply concerned due to Nancy’s age and the fact that she requires daily medication.
Yes. TMZ reported receiving an alleged ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin and forwarded it to authorities.
Is Nancy Guthrie believed to be kidnapped?
Investigators say they believe she was abducted from her home and are treating the case as a criminal investigation.
ALSO READ: Billie Eilish's Grammys speech: Here's how the Tongva Tribe responds to 'stolen land' comments
Why Is Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance Being Treated as a Crime?
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday after failing to attend her regular church service in Arizona. Police quickly noted suspicious circumstances surrounding her disappearance and began treating the case as a criminal matter, as per a report by Reality Tea.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that investigators believe she was abducted from her home in the middle of the night over the weekend, describing the residence as “a crime scene.” Authorities have been searching for her since Sunday.
ALSO READ: Savannah Guthrie's mom missing: Did a pacemaker sync failure lead to her disappearance? Here's the latest update
What Does the Alleged Ransom Note Say?
TMZ reported on Tuesday that it received an alleged ransom note connected to the case. According to the outlet, the note demands millions in Bitcoin and includes a deadline with an implied threat. TMZ said the Bitcoin address listed in the message is real, though the exact amount demanded was not disclosed.
Sheriff Nanos later confirmed to CBS News that a ransom note was also sent to a local Arizona news station on Monday. The station agreed not to report on it at the time, as per a report by Reality Tea and CBS News.
Are Authorities Taking the Ransom Note Seriously?
Yes. Sheriff Nanos said investigators have analyzed the note and are treating it as credible. He stated that the message included specific details about Nancy Guthrie’s home and what she was wearing the night she disappeared, though he would not confirm the accuracy of those details or the note’s legitimacy, as per a report by Reality Tea and CBS News.
The FBI reviewed the note and made the decision to share it with Savannah Guthrie. Authorities had hoped to keep the information from becoming public, but TMZ obtained the note and reported on it before contacting the sheriff’s office, Nanos said.
ALSO READ: Quote of the Day by Oprah Winfrey: 'The more you praise and celebrate…'—Here are some inspiring quotes by the incredible philanthropist on her birthday
What Have Police Found So Far?
Surveillance footage from a home security system has not provided immediate answers. Nanos told CBS News that investigators believe the system may have automatically deleted video after a short period. Forensic teams are now attempting to recover the footage, as per a report by Reality Tea and CBS News.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said earlier it was aware of “reports circulating about possible ransom note(s)” and emphasized that all information is being handled by detectives coordinating with the FBI.
How Is Savannah Guthrie Responding?
Savannah Guthrie has not appeared on Today since learning of her mother’s disappearance. Sources say she is unlikely to co-host NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies in Italy, as her focus remains on her mother’s safety.
Savannah has previously described her mother as “sharp as a tack,” but family members are deeply concerned due to Nancy’s age and the fact that she requires daily medication.
FAQs
Did TMZ really receive a ransom note?Yes. TMZ reported receiving an alleged ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin and forwarded it to authorities.
Is Nancy Guthrie believed to be kidnapped?
Investigators say they believe she was abducted from her home and are treating the case as a criminal investigation.
