Nancy Guthrie Ransom Notes Released in Full, as Writer Makes Claim About How She Died

**Authorities Release Ransom Notes in Ongoing Investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance**

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has recently disclosed the full text of two ransom notes linked to the mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. The notes were made public on Friday, coinciding with the six-month anniversary of the 84-year-old’s abduction from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1. Until now, the messages had only been partly reported in the media.

In the first note, addressed to Savannah Guthrie, Nancy’s daughter and a prominent anchor for NBC’s *Today*, the abductor claimed, “We have your mother Nancy. She is safe but scared.” The assailants demanded a ransom of $4 million in bitcoin, stating that failure to pay by the specified deadline would result in an increase to $6 million. The note ominously threatened that, if the ransom was not received by the final deadline, Nancy’s life would be in jeopardy.

This initial message further specified that once the payment was processed, Nancy would be returned within 12 hours to a safe drop-off location in Tucson. The sender warned that any attempts to involve law enforcement would be futile, insisting, “Do not play games.”

The second note was far shorter and revealed a tragic turn in the narrative, stating that Nancy “perished shortly after she was taken.” The writer claimed that the death was unintentional, suggesting it was related to a previously unknown health issue, and expressed regret over the outcome. “We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition,” they wrote, adding, “Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace.”

Alongside the release of the notes, the Pima County authorities reiterated their call for public assistance in the investigation. Officials believe that someone may have information that could lead to the identification of the individual responsible for the notes. They noted specific indicators to look out for, including changes in behaviour or odd interest in the case, urging the community to remain vigilant.

Compounding the mystery, the sheriff’s department has also previously shared surveillance imagery featuring a masked man seen on Nancy’s porch on the night of her abduction. DNA evidence has been a critical aspect of the investigation, with blood found at the scene matching Nancy’s. Investigators, with help from the FBI, are examining additional DNA samples that could be pivotal in identifying a potential suspect.

Sheriff Chris Nanos expressed a sense of urgency regarding the case, stating in May that progress is being made, though the investigation remains ongoing. He has maintained that law enforcement is committed to resolving this heart-wrenching case.

In a heartfelt social media appeal earlier this week, Savannah Guthrie implored Nancy’s captors to reveal her whereabouts. Addressing them directly, she urged, “So I’m asking you, begging you to do the right thing now. Make the right choice. Help us find her, tell us where to look for her.” Her emotional plea emphasised a desire for closure.

To incentivise information leading to Nancy’s recovery, the FBI has offered a reward of $100,000. The Guthrie family has also contributed to the cause, providing a separate $1 million reward.

As the investigation continues, anyone with information regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The community remains hopeful that justice will prevail and that Nancy’s family will soon receive answers.