Key facts
- Authorities released two ransom notes in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
- The first note, sent Feb. 2, demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency.
- The second note, sent Feb. 6, stated Guthrie died shortly after being kidnapped.
- The Pima County Sheriff's Department believes the distinctive linguistic characteristics of the notes may be recognizable.
- Videos from Guthrie's doorbell camera suggest the kidnapping was planned.
- Two men detained and released in the investigation have filed a lawsuit against the sheriff's department for wrongful detention.
Authorities have released two ransom notes in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, in hopes that someone will recognize the writing style. The first note, sent Feb. 2, demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency and threatened her life if the payment was not met. A second note, sent Feb. 6, stated that Guthrie died shortly after she was kidnapped, with the message reading, "She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome."
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department believes the distinctive linguistic characteristics of the notes may be recognizable to someone who knows the writer. The department also stated that videos recovered from Guthrie’s doorbell camera suggest the kidnapping was planned.
Two men who were previously detained and released in connection with the disappearance have filed a lawsuit against the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, seeking a combined $3 million for wrongful detention.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings had previously stated they were aware of media reports of a ransom letter and were ready to pay if proof of their mother's life was provided. On Feb. 7, Savannah Guthrie indicated the family had received a message and "understand," and that they were begging for their mother's return.