Federal investigators have concluded that all three messages purporting to be from kidnappers in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie — the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie — are not authentic, according to FBI officials.
The assessment covers two ransom notes that surfaced in early February, shortly after Guthrie vanished from her Tucson-area home, and a third note received more recently by media outlets. None are believed to be genuine communications from those responsible for her abduction, an FBI official told Reuters on condition of anonymity to discuss the active investigation.
A second law enforcement source familiar with the matter confirmed the findings.
“None of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine,” the official said, according to Reuters.
The disclosure casts doubt on the initial premise that Guthrie was kidnapped specifically for ransom. Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which is leading the overall probe, declined to comment on the notes, referring inquiries to the FBI. A spokesperson said the investigation remains active, with DNA samples and video evidence still undergoing forensic analysis.
Hoax Notes Delivered to Media
All three messages were first delivered to news organizations, including TMZ, before being turned over to authorities.
Investigators determined the first two notes originated from the same sender. The initial note demanded millions of dollars in cryptocurrency and set payment deadlines in early February. In response, the FBI deposited a small test amount into the specified account; the funds were never claimed. The second note, reported later, claimed Guthrie had died but made no apology or demand for the return of her body.
A third note, received last week, claimed the sender knew the identities of the abductors and possessed video evidence involving the “main guy” and the victim on the day she died, The Dallas Express reported. The FBI also ruled this communication inauthentic, though it did not disclose specifics on how.
Family’s Public Appeals
Savannah Guthrie, 54, and her siblings have publicly referenced ransom demands in video appeals, pleading for direct communication and stating “we will pay.” On her show, she has urged anyone with information to come forward while highlighting a substantial family reward. She has described the family as being in “agony” and “blowing on the embers of hope” that her mother may still be alive.
Circumstances of the Disappearance
Guthrie was last seen alive on the evening of January 31, 2026, after spending time with her daughter Annie and son-in-law at her Catalina Foothills home. She was reported missing the following day. DNA testing confirmed blood found on her front porch belonged to her. Surveillance footage released by authorities showed an armed, masked prowler tampering with her doorbell camera shortly before the disappearance. A glove found nearby resembling those worn by the suspect yielded no matches in national DNA databases.
Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker monitoring app ceased recording activity in the early morning hours of February 1. Guthrie reportedly was in frail health and had limited mobility. Authorities have been investigating her disappearance as an abduction.
Ongoing Investigation
As of early July, Nancy Guthrie has been missing for approximately five months. Her whereabouts and condition remain unknown. The family offered a $1 million reward in February for information leading to her recovery.
The FBI has not publicly detailed additional leads, and the sheriff’s department continues to seek tips from the public. The hoax notes have drawn significant media attention but appear to be the work of individuals unconnected to the actual events.
The investigation remains ongoing.
