A second message concerning Nancy Guthrie, who disappeared this past winter, states that the 84-year-old has died, according to reports from ABC, NBC, and CNN, all citing anonymous sources. The note, delivered to media outlets after Guthrie’s kidnapping, differs significantly from an earlier ransom note that demanded millions in cryptocurrency for her release.
The latest message asserts that Guthrie died after her abduction and was buried in nature. It does not include a payment request or an apology, NBC reported. Both notes have been reviewed by investigators and are considered potentially credible, according to NBC. Authorities also indicated that the notes likely originated from Guthrie’s possible abductors and were sent from the same IP address, CBS News reported.
Nancy Guthrie was first reported missing on February 1. Police have stated they believe she was taken against her will, based on the circumstances of the case. Footage from her doorbell camera captured a masked individual at her front door on the morning of her disappearance, though no suspects have been publicly identified.
Savannah Guthrie, an anchor on the "Today" show and one of Nancy Guthrie’s children, told NBC in March that she believed two of the ransom notes the family received and responded to were authentic. Following the dissemination of the second note to local media, Savannah Guthrie and her family released a video pleading for their mother’s return. "We received your message and we understand," Savannah Guthrie said in the video alongside her siblings Camron and Annie. "We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace."
In a Mother’s Day social media post, Savannah Guthrie reiterated calls for information, writing, "Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie — we miss you with every breath. We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you. Someone knows something that can make the difference. Call 1800FBI. You can be anonymous and the reward remains available. Please keep praying. Bring her home."