The notes were sent to local and national news outlets by someone claiming to be involved in Guthrie’s kidnapping. KOLD-TV in Tucson received the first note Feb. 2 and the second Feb. 6, the sheriff said. Authorities described them as notes that claim to have been written by kidnappers.
“These communications reveal distinctive patterns of word choice, syntax, and phraseology that reflect the writer’s unique linguistic style,” the sheriff stated. “They also provide valuable insight into the person’s mindset, motives, and the evolution of their tone over time.”
The first note, addressed to Guthrie’s daughter, NBC "Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, demanded $4 million in bitcoin and threatened to increase the ransom to $6 million.
“We have your mother Nancy. She is safe but scared. She will be held for ransom and once payment is received she will be released unharmed,” the note said. “If payment is not received by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed. Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands.”
The note also gave details of Nancy’s home, stating that a white smartwatch was on the floor at the foot of Guthrie’s bed and a white backyard floodlight had been destroyed.
The second note claimed Guthrie died shortly after she was taken.
“We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention,” the note said. “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.”
Investigators also recovered two videos from Guthrie’s doorbell camera that may have been recorded on separate days. The department said the recordings show an unidentified man “who knows what happened to Nancy” and indicate he prepared for the events of Jan. 31 into Feb. 1.
The sheriff said there may be someone who can help identify the suspect, saying that a friend, relative, coworker, classmate, or acquaintance may recognize the writer’s language and help identify the person responsible.
The press release from the sheriff said people who have knowledge may not have come forward “due to their close relationships with those who might be involved as well as a concern for their own safety, reputation, or standing in the community and amongst their friends.”
“We recognize relationships and loyalties change over time as do people and their perspectives. It is not too late to come forward. Regardless of how insignificant you think your information may be, or whether you think we are already aware of it, please contact us,” he added.
“We know there are individuals familiar with this unidentified male who may have observed changes in his behavior around the timeframe of the videos,” the sheriff said.
- A change in mood or displays of anxiety, nervousness or irritability
- A change of physical appearance: hair color or cut, growth or removal of facial hair, etc.
- Unexplained injuries (cuts on hands, bruises, etc.) during the period Nancy was last seen
- Normal routine changes (missing work, classes or appointments)
- Sudden departures from the area around the time of her disappearance
- Vehicle cleaning, or repairs
- Unexplained interest or disinterest in Nancy Guthrie’s neighborhood
- Noticeable intense interest or disinterest in the investigation or an unexplained knowledge of the situation
“It has been months since our mom was taken from us. Our family is in agony. We are in a nightmare that will not end,” she said. “I truly believe it is never too late to do the right thing.”
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last confirmed at her Catalina Foothills home between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.
Anyone with information can call 1-800-CALL-FBI or 88-CRIME. The sheriff’s department said a reward is available.