New details have emerged in the heartbreaking disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, revealing that her family received two disturbing ransom notes in the days after she was taken from her home.
Investigators say the letters were addressed to Nancy’s relatives, including her daughter, television host Savannah Guthrie. According to authorities, the first message demanded millions of dollars in bitcoin in exchange for Nancy’s safe return. A second note, however, claimed that she had died while in captivity.
The follow-up letter reportedly stated that her death had not been intentional and even included what appeared to be an apology from the people claiming responsibility for the kidnapping.
Officials with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department say the investigation remains active as detectives continue to pursue every possible lead.
“The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to work closely with the FBI as investigators follow up on leads, review evidence, and work to establish the facts surrounding this case,” a department spokesperson said.
Nancy Guthrie has not been seen since the evening of January 31, and the case has remained unsolved for months despite an extensive search effort. As the investigation continues, questions have been raised about how the case was initially handled, with some criticism aimed at Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
Earlier this year, FBI Director Kash Patel alleged that federal agents were not brought into the investigation as quickly as they could have been. Speaking with Sean Hannity, Patel said the FBI immediately offered its assistance but was unable to participate during the critical early stages.
“Our role is to step in and help however we can,” Patel said. “We asked what was needed, but for the first four days, we weren’t allowed to take part in the investigation.”
The search has since expanded beyond the United States. A volunteer organization in Mexico that specializes in locating missing people joined the effort after receiving an anonymous tip suggesting that Nancy could be buried in an unmarked grave near the U.S.-Mexico border, according to the New York Post.
Following the arrival of the ransom notes, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional video appeal directed at those believed to be holding their mother.
“We received your message, and we understand,” Savannah said in the video. “We are begging you to bring our mother home.”
She also made it clear that the family was prepared to meet the kidnappers’ financial demands, saying they were willing to pay whatever was required in hopes of bringing Nancy home safely.
