Nearly five months after Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home, new information from US media reveals a second ransom note sent days after her disappearance reportedly stated she died shortly after the kidnapping. The abductors allegedly did not intend for her death.
Second ransom note details
CNN, citing multiple law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation, reported that the second note disclosed Nancy Guthrie's death. Both the first and second ransom notes were sent to CNN and a Tucson, Arizona television station's local news department. Both outlets agreed to withhold reporting on the content at the request of the Guthrie family and law enforcement to authenticate future communications. Metro has contacted the Pima County Sheriff's Department and Phoenix FBI for comment.
Timeline of the kidnapping
Nancy Guthrie is believed to have been taken from her home in the affluent Catalina Foothills area outside Tucson, Arizona. Doorbell footage released by the FBI from February 1 at 1:47 am showed a masked individual with a backpack approaching her porch. The camera was then disconnected. The next morning, Nancy failed to meet a friend for church. Her family was alerted, and she was reported missing. She was last seen by a family member after dinner around 9:45 pm the previous Saturday.
Motive and investigation
Aside from the initial ransom note demanding millions in bitcoin, the motive remains unclear. In March, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said authorities believed the abduction was targeted but were not 100% sure. Savannah Guthrie recalled a phone call with her brother asking if it was because of her; he replied, 'Well, I'm sorry sweetie, but yeah, maybe.' No arrests have been made. A man detained in February was released without questioning. Another man, Luke Daley, was detained with his mother for four hours during a search warrant execution and released with no charges, his attorney confirmed to People.
Content of the ransom notes
According to NBC, the second note did not include an apology or request for payment for Nancy's body. However, Airmail reported a 'sputtering and laboured apology' and suggested her body could be delivered for a sum. The first note requested cryptocurrency for her release and claimed she was safe. CBS reported that the first note included specific details about Nancy's home, such as a broken back porch light and an Apple Watch with a white strap on her bedroom floor. Authorities believe both notes were likely sent by the same person or group, possibly from the same computer IP address.
What happens next
The Pima County Sheriff's Department stated the investigation remains active and ongoing, working closely with the FBI. They advised directing inquiries about the ransom notes to the FBI. The search for Nancy Guthrie continues with no arrests and her whereabouts unknown.
