The FBI has determined that three ransom notes related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, including one that alleged she had died, are not genuine, according to a report by Reuters.
An anonymous FBI source told Reuters that none of the ransom notes are believed to be authentic. A second law enforcement source familiar with the case corroborated the FBI's assessment. Multiple notes were sent to news outlets, including TMZ and local Arizona news organizations, after Guthrie, 84, was reportedly abducted from her Tucson home on February 1.
The first two ransom notes, sent in February, are believed to have originated from the same sender. The initial note demanded cryptocurrency payments in the millions, with deadlines set for February 5 and 9. The second note reportedly included an apology for Guthrie's death and suggested her body could be returned for money, though no specific amount was mentioned.
FBI officials stated that they determined both the first and second notes were fake after depositing a small amount of cryptocurrency into the requested account, which was never accessed. Based on this and other unspecified methods, investigators concluded the sender of these notes was not connected to Guthrie's abduction.
The third note, which reportedly arrived last week claiming the sender possessed video of Guthrie with her abductor, was also deemed fake by the FBI source. The specific means by which this third note was ruled fraudulent were not disclosed.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos expressed skepticism regarding the third ransom note on local radio station KVOI AM 1030, suggesting it was likely another instance of fake ransom notes. He lamented that such actions by individuals seeking attention or to disturb the family and neighborhood are unfortunately common.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has maintained that their investigation operates under the belief that Guthrie is still alive. The FBI has offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information concerning her disappearance.
Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie's daughter and a host on the "Today" show, had taken a two-month break from the program following her mother's disappearance. She recently addressed the ransom note concerning her mother's alleged death on air, telling viewers that she and her family were experiencing profound distress and could not find peace.