The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has taken a chilling new turn with the confirmation of an alleged ransom note sent to at least one Arizona television station. The note reportedly contained disturbingly precise details about Nancy’s clothing on the night she vanished and specifics about her home’s furnishings or interior—information that police say only someone with direct access to the residence or the events of that night would know.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Chris Nanos, has acknowledged the note as part of the ongoing investigation into what authorities continue to classify as a suspected abduction. The department is treating the communication seriously, coordinating with the FBI to assess its authenticity, trace its origins, and determine whether it represents a genuine demand or an attempt to mislead investigators.
Details of the Alleged Ransom Note
According to reports from multiple outlets—including CBS News, which cited Sheriff Nanos directly—the note was first received by a local Tucson television station (identified in some accounts as CBS affiliate KOLD News 13) on Monday, February 2, 2026, shortly after Nancy’s disappearance became public. The station chose not to publicize the contents initially and instead forwarded it to authorities.
Sheriff Nanos told CBS News that the note included:
Specific descriptions of what Nancy Guthrie was wearing the night she was last seen (January 31, 2026).
Details about elements inside her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, such as furnishings, layout, or other interior specifics.
These particulars are significant because they suggest intimate knowledge of the scene—knowledge that would be difficult for an outsider to possess without having been inside the residence recently or during the incident itself. Nanos emphasized that investigators are analyzing whether the details are accurate, though he declined to confirm or deny specifics publicly to protect the probe. He stated the FBI reviewed the note and decided to share it with Savannah Guthrie for her input.
Additional reports indicate that similar or follow-up notes were received by other media outlets, including TMZ, which publicized an alleged demand for millions of dollars in Bitcoin (a specific, substantial amount in the millions, with a verifiable Bitcoin wallet address provided). Those communications reportedly included a deadline (payment by Thursday) and threats implying harm to Nancy if the ransom was not met by a later date (such as Monday). TMZ forwarded its note to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, and authorities have confirmed awareness of multiple such reports.
The sheriff’s office issued a statement on social media: “We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie. We are taking all tips and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”
Context Within the Broader Investigation
This development adds a layer of complexity to a case already marked by disturbing physical evidence:
Blood evidence — Droplets or trails outside the front door, on the porch, and a small amount inside the home, suggesting possible injury during removal.
Forced entry and tampering — Signs of a break-in, with security cameras (including a Ring doorbell device) smashed or removed, and a back door found wide open.
Multiple footprints — More than two distinct sets outside the residence, indicating several individuals may have been involved.
Vehicle seizure — Reports of Annie Guthrie’s car (Nancy’s daughter) being towed as evidence, with speculation tying it to her husband, Tommaso Cioni, though no suspects have been named.
Digital and medical clues — Nancy’s pacemaker reportedly stopped syncing around 2 a.m. on February 1; her phone, wallet, keys, medications, and vehicle remained at the home.
Nancy was last seen after being dropped off at her residence around 9:30–9:45 p.m. on January 31 following dinner with family. She failed to attend church the next day, prompting family to search and alert authorities around noon on February 1. Officials believe she was taken against her will sometime overnight, with no indication of a voluntary departure.
The ransom note’s chilling accuracy raises critical questions: Was it authored by the perpetrator(s), someone with insider knowledge, or a hoaxer exploiting publicly available details? Sheriff Nanos has stressed that the department is not dismissing any possibility, including that the note could be a legitimate demand or a red herring. No arrests have been made, and no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified.
Ongoing Efforts and Public Appeals
Searches continue across the rugged Catalina Foothills and surrounding desert areas, involving helicopters, drones, K9 units, and ground teams. A reward of up to $2,500 has been offered for information leading to an arrest. Nancy’s medical vulnerabilities—daily medication for high blood pressure, a pacemaker, and cardiac issues—make her safe return time-sensitive.
Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from her Today show responsibilities, including Olympics coverage, to focus on the crisis. She has released statements expressing heartbreak and calling for prayers, while the family cooperates fully with investigators.
Authorities urge anyone with information—however small—to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI. They have also cautioned against spreading unverified speculation online, as it can complicate the investigation.
As the case enters its critical early phase, the alleged ransom note—with its eerily specific details only “those with access” would know—has deepened the mystery and heightened urgency. The nation watches anxiously, hoping these leads bring Nancy home safely.
