FBI Determines Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Notes To Be Fakes
Despite extensive efforts by law enforcement, volunteer teams, and tips pouring in, her whereabouts remain unknown more than five months later.
Federal investigators have determined that all three ransom notes linked to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, are fake communications, according to an FBI official who spoke to Reuters on Tuesday.
The bombshell revelation comes nearly six months after Nancy Guthrie vanished from her upscale home in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, on January 31, 2026, in what authorities have treated as a criminal abduction.
The FBI assessment covers two ransom notes reported in early February, days after Guthrie disappeared, and a third, more recent message from someone claiming to know the kidnappers’ identities.
“None of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine,” the FBI official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss details of the active investigation.
Officials from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, who are leading the investigation with FBI assistance, have not publicly detailed the contents of all notes.
However, sources familiar with the case previously revealed that the first note demanded millions in bitcoin for Guthrie’s safe return.
A second note reportedly claimed she had died, with the apparent abductors apologizing and stating they did not mean for her to die.
A third note, sent to TMZ in late June, claimed to have video evidence of the abduction.
The FBI Phoenix Field Office later issued a statement clarifying that while some notes appear to be extortion attempts, others “may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such.”
The agency emphasized, “This case continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case.”
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, after her daughter Savannah dropped her off at home following a family dinner.
Surveillance footage captured an armed, masked figure tampering with her security camera before her disappearance.
Authorities discovered signs of a struggle inside the home, including hallway blood and a broken lamp.
Savannah Guthrie, who stepped away from her NBC duties to assist in the search, publicly pleaded for information.
“We’re begging” for help, she said in emotional appeals.
The case quickly drew national attention.
Within days, the first ransom note surfaced, demanding a substantial bitcoin payment.
A second note followed, claiming Nancy had died.
Law enforcement kept many details private to avoid compromising the investigation, but leaks to media outlets fueled public speculation and theories ranging from a genuine kidnapping to a hoax.
A $50,000 reward was offered for information leading to Nancy’s safe return or the arrest of those responsible.
Savannah Guthrie and her family have remained largely private amid the ordeal, though Savannah returned to “Today” in April after a brief hiatus. Family members, including Savannah’s sister Annie, were cleared early in the investigation.
Mixed DNA evidence has been analyzed, but no arrests have been made.
Former FBI agents and law enforcement experts suggest the notes could be the work of opportunistic hoaxers seeking to exploit a high-profile case for financial gain or attention.
One expert noted the notes may represent an attempt to deflect from a real crime or confuse investigators.
The FBI’s clarification that some demands “may potentially be legitimate” indicates the investigation remains active and multifaceted.
Authorities continue to treat the disappearance as a kidnapping for ransom while pursuing leads on possible extortion attempts.
Digital forensics, IP address tracing, and analysis of how the notes reached media outlets are key elements of the probe.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has described the case as complex, with ongoing tips coming in through the FBI and local 88-Crime hotline.
“We are following every lead,” he said in recent updates. The family continues to cooperate fully while dealing with what Savannah has called “unending trauma.”
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