The Federal Bureau of Investigation has determined that all ransom notes received in the case of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today cohost Savannah Guthrie, were inauthentic. The FBI official confirmed that two notes, initially believed to be from kidnappers, and a third note claiming knowledge of the abductors, have been found to be fake. One early note reportedly demanded millions in cryptocurrency and set payment deadlines in early February, while a subsequent note suggested Guthrie had died without offering an apology or demanding payment for her body's return.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department is facing criticism for allegedly rejecting offers of assistance from a volunteer search and rescue organization in the critical early days of the 84-year-old's disappearance. The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer group with canine and drone teams, offered to aid in the search for Nancy Guthrie, but their proposals were reportedly turned down multiple times by Sheriff Chris Nanos. Brian Trascher, national vice president of the United Cajun Navy, stated that their aim was to act as a "force multiplier" for law enforcement.
Trascher expressed that the department's refusal of outside help was perplexing, especially during a period when a search might have been more fruitful. He suggested that any findings now, nearly five months after Guthrie vanished, would likely be of human remains, offering closure to the family. A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff's Department stated that the Cajun Navy was thanked for their concern and notified that their operational support would not be utilized at this time, while expressing gratitude for their offer to assist.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, on January 31. She was dropped off by her son-in-law around 9:50 p.m. Less than an hour later, doorbell camera footage captured a masked individual, described as a man of average build around 5'9" or 5'10", disabling the camera outside her home. Investigators believe she was abducted shortly after, noting that her pacemaker monitoring app disconnected from her phone less than an hour after the masked figure was recorded.
Drops of blood were found on her front porch, and authorities believe she was kidnapped. Guthrie requires daily medication for a heart condition and has walking difficulties. The Guthrie family has offered a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to her whereabouts, and the FBI is offering an additional $100,000. No suspects or persons of interest have been publicly named by the Pima County Sheriff's Department.