Key facts
- FBI investigators have determined three messages related to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance to be fake.
- The fake messages included two ransom notes and a third communication claiming knowledge of the kidnappers.
- The FBI is investigating other extortion demands that may potentially be legitimate.
- Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Arizona home in early February.
- Blood was found near Nancy Guthrie's front door, and investigators believe she was abducted from her home.
Federal investigators have determined that three messages related to the disappearance of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, are fake. An FBI official told Reuters that the two ransom notes and a third message claiming knowledge of the kidnappers' identities have been deemed inauthentic. The FBI clarified on Wednesday that while some ransom notes have been deemed "extortion attempts without legitimacy," others remain under investigation and "may potentially be legitimate." Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Arizona home in early February, and police found blood near her front door, believing she was abducted. Surveillance videos released by the FBI showed a masked man on her porch the night Guthrie disappeared. The FBI had previously deposited a small sum in a cryptocurrency account included in one of the notes as part of an effort to confirm its authenticity and track down perpetrators, but the money was left unclaimed. Investigators also determined a third note, which media outlets reported on, was fake. Savannah Guthrie has continued to bring attention to her mother’s case and plead for answers.