Two distinct individuals likely authored the ransom notes related to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, according to a forensic psychologist. Gary Brucato, a forensic psychologist, claims the notes suggest two authors with different motives and psychological states.
Brucato stated that the first note, which demanded millions in cryptocurrency, was written by an intelligent person. In contrast, the second note, which declared Guthrie had died and was "buried in nature," was penned by a more emotional individual. "These two ransom notes… do suggest to me two different people who are perhaps experiencing some kind of rupture in terms of their attitude about what happened," Brucato told NewsNation journalist Brian Entin.
He speculated that the second note, described as having a "modicum of sympathy" and a "florid" tone, might have been written by a woman who possibly knew Nancy Guthrie's daughter, TV personality Savannah Guthrie. This author, Brucato suggested, might have been attempting to distance herself from the situation both legally and emotionally. "The first one is demanding money and the second one is undoing the ability of the first person to get money, which suggests to me that the first person would’ve been kinda mad that the second person wrote the note," Brucato explained, indicating a potential conflict between the authors.
Brucato believes a third person may be involved, specifically the masked figure seen loitering on Guthrie's porch. However, he asserts this individual was not the author of either ransom note. "I think [it] is clear was some sort of goon that was put there to give the impression of a totally outside agent who never met this woman who came in to do the dirty work," Brucato said, describing this figure as a "goon" and the "waiter who served it." He theorizes this person's motive was likely monetary.
The first note demanded $4 million in bitcoin. The second note, sent later, stated that the kidnappers "did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition" and that Guthrie had perished shortly after being taken, suggesting a heart-related condition. "She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome," the second note claimed. "We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry."
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since February 1. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos reported that Guthrie's pacemaker app disconnected at 2:28 a.m. on February 1. Despite the passage of time, Nanos has stated the case is not considered cold, although he acknowledged the complexity and time-intensive nature of analyzing the digital and DNA evidence collected.