The FBI says it is continuing to investigate several ransom notes connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, with some communications still being treated as potentially legitimate while others have been dismissed as extortion attempts.
In an update released Wednesday, the FBI’s Phoenix field office confirmed that the case remains an active kidnapping-for-ransom investigation following Guthrie’s disappearance earlier this year.
“This case continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case,” the agency said, noting that law enforcement authorities have received multiple ransom notes since the investigation began.
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her home near Tucson on February 1. Authorities said she was last seen the previous evening at approximately 9:45 p.m.
The investigation intensified days later when the FBI released doorbell camera footage showing an armed, masked individual outside Guthrie’s residence on the morning of her disappearance. Federal authorities have since identified the individual as a suspect in the case.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is working alongside the FBI and confirmed that it has received information regarding possible ransom notes throughout the course of the investigation.
Officials emphasized that every lead and tip received is being thoroughly examined and shared with detectives handling the case.
While investigators have not disclosed the total number of ransom notes received, reports indicate that at least two communications sent to media organizations have been reviewed. One note reportedly claimed that Guthrie was safe and demanded cryptocurrency in exchange for her release, while another appeared to suggest that she had died.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed the authenticity of either communication and continue to analyze the evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
The case has drawn national attention, with Savannah Guthrie repeatedly appealing for information that could help locate her mother. Following reports of the ransom notes, the television host publicly stated that her family was willing to pay for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return.
In a recent emotional plea, Guthrie urged anyone with information to come forward, stressing that anonymous tips are welcome and that her family remains desperate for answers.
“We love our mom, and we’ll never stop looking for her,” she said.
Investigators continue to urge the public to provide any information that may assist in locating Nancy Guthrie as the search and kidnapping investigation remain active.