Authorities Investigating Possible Ransom Situation in Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department in Tucson, Arizona, announced on Tuesday that they are aware of potential reports involving a ransom note linked to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s “Today” show.

“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” officials stated on Tuesday afternoon. They further emphasized that they are diligently pursuing all leads and tips that come in.

“Any information that comes in is immediately directed to our detectives who are working in coordination with the FBI,” officials added.

INVESTIGATION INTO DISAPPEARANCE OF SAVANNAH GUTHRIE’S MOTHER TAKES DARK TURN

Shortly before the sheriff’s statement, TMZ allegedly received an unverified ransom note demanding a large sum of money in Bitcoin for Guthrie’s return. TMZ noted that the Bitcoin address appeared genuine and included unreleased details about the case. They reached out to authorities because the note contained a deadline.

Local news station KOLD 13 also reportedly received a similar note, though it is uncertain whether it matches the letter TMZ received. “Our newsroom also received what appears to be a ransom note, and we have sent it to law enforcement,” stated KOLD reporter Mary Coleman.

In an interview on Fox News Channel’s “Special Report” with Bret Baier, FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that federal authorities are aware of a ransom note. He reiterated that while local police are leading the investigation, the FBI is providing support where needed.

“The local authorities notified the FBI, and we are working with them in any manner they choose,” Patel explained. “But remember, they’re the lead right now, and we have to respect that. We are there to assist them in any capacity possible, be it on ransom notes or other aspects of the case.”

According to retired FBI special agent Jason Pack, each note must be verified due to the possibility of scammers exploiting families in distress over missing loved ones. “Scammers will do things that are very distasteful, like scamming the loved ones of those missing,” Pack cautioned. “But the police have to treat it as genuine until they can confirm otherwise, as it ties up resources that could be devoted to an investigation.”

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home in Tucson around 9:30 p.m. on a Saturday evening, according to the sheriff’s office. While specific details surrounding her disappearance have not been disclosed, authorities suspect that she may have been kidnapped.

A law enforcement source revealed to Fox News Digital that blood droplets were found leading from the entryway outside, down the path to the driveway. Guthrie missed her Sunday church service, prompting another churchgoer to alert her family, as confirmed by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. Family members then visited her home around 11 a.m. and called 911 shortly after.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department informed Fox News Digital on Monday that they believe Nancy Guthrie was possibly kidnapped or abducted. It remains uncertain if this was a targeted act or a random incident.

Savannah Guthrie shared her feelings on Instagram, expressing the family’s need for support. “We need you,” she wrote. She spoke about their faith, hope, and belief in unity and goodness.

The post continued, “We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him. Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved Mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.”

If anyone has information concerning the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, they are encouraged to contact the tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

This situation is ongoing. Please check back for further updates.

Alexandra Koch is a journalist at Fox News Digital focusing on major breaking news that impacts national discussions. She has covered significant events such as the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation incidents, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.