Ransom Notes Released In Nancy Guthrie Case In Hopes Of Generating New Leads

Sheriff’s officials have released two ransom notes allegedly sent by those who kidnapped Nancy Guthrie from her Arizona home earlier this year.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department released the notes in hopes of generating new leads in the case.

The first note was sent a day after her disappearance from someone who claimed they have her, and that “she is safe but scared” and would not be released until payment, $4 million USD in bitcoin, is received, according to the full messages released by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI Phoenix Field Office on Friday. The note, addressed to her daughter, Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, said she would be held for a maximum of seven days.

The second note, sent Feb. 6 to Tucson news outlet KOLD, states that Guthrie died shortly after she was taken.

“We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition,” the note reads. “We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry.”

Investigators believe that someone who knows or has interacted with the writer of the notes — including a friend, family member, coworker, classmate or acquaintance — may have information that could help identify the person responsible and may have chosen to stay silent because of personal relationships, or safety concerns, and are urging them to come forward.

The 84-year-old Guthriewent missing from her home near Tucson early Feb. 1. The FBI has said her disappearance is being investigated as a kidnapping for ransom.

Anyone with information is urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). The Guthrie family is also offering a $1 million reward for the return of their mother.