Investigators have noted a slight increase in tips following the Pima County Sheriff's Office's release of two purported ransom notes sent to the family of Nancy Guthrie, who remains missing. The office confirmed the uptick in leads, stating that all tips are being followed up on.
The alleged ransom notes were reportedly sent on February 2 and February 6. One note stated, "Hello Savannah. We have your mother Nancy. She is safe but scared. She will be held for ransom and once payment is received she will be released unharmed."
A second message, sent on February 6, claimed that Nancy Guthrie had passed away. "We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related," the second note stated. Authorities have not independently verified the authenticity of the notes.
Surveillance footage released by investigators shows a masked suspect outside the family's Arizona home. The notes have been described as having a unique linguistic style, and one note included a detail about a white smartwatch on the floor of the victim's bedroom, a detail that authorities learned of before it became public knowledge. This detail has led some to believe the sender had familiarity with the residence.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen in Tucson, Arizona. The FBI and local authorities are continuing the investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff's Office at 520-88-CRIME.