A disturbing new development has rocked the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, who was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona, home. Authorities are now intensely investigating a chilling ransom note, demanding millions in Bitcoin, which was sent to a local news station. This critical turn in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case has escalated the urgency as the FBI joins Pima County Sheriff’s deputies in a race against time to locate her safely. The entire nation watches closely, hoping for the safe return of Savannah Guthrie’s mother.
Escalating Crisis: The Ransom Note Revealed
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the existence of a ransom note, now a central focus of the investigation. The note, reportedly received by a local Arizona news station on Monday, February 3, 2026, contained alarming details. It included specific information about Nancy Guthrie’s residence and what she was wearing the night she vanished. Sheriff Chris Nanos, leading the Nancy Guthrie abduction probe, emphasized that investigators are taking this critical piece of evidence very seriously.
Further details emerged from an exclusive report by TMZ, which also received an alleged ransom note. This note explicitly demanded “millions” in Bitcoin for Nancy Guthrie’s release. It provided a specific Bitcoin address, which TMZ reportedly verified as real, adding a layer of credibility to the shocking demand. The alleged communication also set a deadline for the payment and included a stark “or else” threat, escalating the already grave situation. This development highlights the potentially sophisticated nature of the perpetrators.
Law Enforcement’s Swift Response
Upon receiving the alleged ransom demand, TMZ promptly forwarded the information to the Pima County Sheriff’s office. Similarly, CBS affiliate KOLD-TV reported receiving an email that appeared to be one of these alleged ransom notes, which they also sent to the authorities. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department immediately acknowledged the “reports circulating about possible ransom note(s)” via social media. They assured the public that all tips and leads are being thoroughly investigated. Detectives are working in close coordination with the FBI, leveraging federal resources and analytical expertise.
Authorities had initially hoped to keep details of the ransom note private. However, TMZ’s report brought the information into the public sphere. The FBI reviewed the note and made the decision to share its contents directly with Savannah Guthrie. This underscores the severity of the situation and the immediate involvement of high-level federal agencies in this urgent investigation into Savannah Guthrie’s mother’s disappearance.
The Abduction: A Crime Scene Unfolds
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Catalina Foothills home, near Skyline and Campbell, around 9:30 PM on Saturday, January 31. Family members reported her missing around noon on Sunday, February 1, after she failed to attend church services. Upon discovering suspicious circumstances at her residence, authorities immediately shifted from a routine missing person inquiry to a criminal investigation. Sheriff Nanos unequivocally stated his belief that Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home in the middle of the night. He described the scene as a “crime scene,” prompting the involvement of homicide detectives – an unusual step in a missing person case.
Evidence of forced entry was reportedly found at the home. This further supported the theory of an involuntary disappearance. Sheriff Nanos has repeatedly dismissed the possibility that Nancy Guthrie, who lives alone, might have simply wandered away. He cited her lack of cognitive issues and very limited mobility as reasons for this conclusion. He emphasized, “She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly.” This firm stance highlights the professional assessment of the scene.
Crucial Evidence and Forensic Efforts
Investigators have collected various forms of evidence from Nancy Guthrie’s home. DNA samples recovered from the residence were confirmed to belong to Nancy Guthrie herself. While authorities did not specify if blood was among these samples, a law enforcement source revealed that a small amount of blood was found inside her home. Additionally, a small amount of dried blood was observed next to a doormat outside her front door on Tuesday. These samples are undergoing testing to determine their origin and potential connection to the perpetrator(s).
Surveillance video from a home security system initially yielded no direct information. Authorities suspect the system may have been set to automatically delete footage after a short period. Forensic teams are now diligently attempting to recover any deleted footage through advanced technical means. Investigators are also probing the possibility that a security camera was removed from the front of the home. The FBI is providing crucial analytical and technical support, including assistance with videos and cell phone information. They are also working to obtain information from cell towers.
A Race Against Time: The Urgency of the Search
The urgency of the search for Nancy Guthrie cannot be overstated. Sheriff Nanos has expressed profound concern about her well-being, particularly her critical need for daily medication. He warned that missing these vital medications for more than 24 hours could have fatal consequences. “The clock is literally ticking,” Nanos stated, underscoring the severe jeopardy she faces without her prescriptions. This medical necessity intensifies the efforts of every agency involved in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, alongside the FBI and Customs and Border Protection, is conducting an expansive search. This includes both aircraft and ground personnel. Search and Rescue teams are performing door-to-door inquiries. Sheriff Nanos made a direct appeal to the community for any leads or tips, emphasizing that no detail is too small. He urged residents in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood to review their Ring doorbell and other security camera footage for any unusual sightings between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Sunday, February 1. Even “just a pair of headlights” could be crucial.
Community Mobilization and National Attention
The disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother has galvanized the local community and garnered national attention. Neighbors have noted a substantial law enforcement presence, including helicopters and drones. Organizations like the Catalina Foothills Association have received numerous calls from concerned residents offering assistance. Individuals have volunteered for search efforts, demonstrating robust community support.
A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered through 88-CRIME for information leading to an arrest in the case. The non-profit has already received over 100 tips from the public. Savannah Guthrie herself released a heartfelt statement, thanking everyone for their prayers and support. She stressed that her family’s focus remains squarely on her mother’s safe return. She also publicly appealed for prayers on Instagram and chose to withdraw from her role co-hosting the Winter Olympics opening ceremony to focus on her family. Even US President Donald Trump commented on the incident, calling it a “terrible thing” and offering federal assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest update on Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance?
The latest update confirms that authorities are intensively investigating a ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin for Nancy Guthrie’s release. This note was sent to a local Arizona news station and contained specific details about her home and clothing. The FBI has joined the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in the Nancy Guthrie abduction probe. Additionally, DNA samples confirmed to be Nancy Guthrie’s were found at her home, along with a small amount of blood, further indicating a struggle. Forensic teams are also working to recover potentially deleted surveillance video.
How can the public assist in the search for Nancy Guthrie?
The public can significantly assist the investigation by reviewing any home security camera footage, including Ring doorbell videos, from the Catalina Foothills neighborhood between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Sunday, February 1. Authorities urge residents to report any unusual sightings, no matter how seemingly insignificant, to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (911) or 88-CRIME (www.88CRIME.org). A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case.
Why is Nancy Guthrie’s medical condition a critical factor in the investigation?
Nancy Guthrie, 84, requires daily medication that is critical to her survival. Sheriff Chris Nanos has repeatedly stressed that missing these vital medications for more than 24 hours could be fatal. This medical necessity creates an extreme urgency for law enforcement to locate her swiftly. The “ticking clock” due to her health condition means investigators are working under immense pressure, hoping to find her alive and well. Her limited mobility and lack of cognitive issues also rule out the possibility of her wandering away.
Conclusion: An Urgent Search Continues
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie’s mother, has evolved into a complex and urgent criminal investigation. The emergence of a ransom note demanding Bitcoin, coupled with physical evidence found at her home, underscores the gravity of the situation. Pima County Sheriff’s deputies and the FBI are deploying extensive resources in this high-stakes search. The community’s vigilance and cooperation remain crucial. Every tip, every piece of security footage, could be the key to bringing Nancy Guthrie home safely. The call for public assistance endures as authorities work tirelessly to resolve this harrowing case and ensure the safe return of Nancy Guthrie.
