Abduction Investigation Continues
A ransom note received days after the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of US television presenter Savannah Guthrie, reportedly stated that she had died. This note was one of two sent to Ms. Guthrie's family and news organizations following her kidnapping from her Arizona home in January.
Details Emerge from Ransom Correspondence
According to sources cited by CBS, a US news partner of the BBC, the initial note demanded millions in bitcoin for Ms. Guthrie's release. However, a subsequent note, sent on February 6, claimed her death, reportedly stating that her demise was unintended and included an apology to the family. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has refrained from commenting on the contents of these notes, emphasizing that the investigation remains active and ongoing.
A spokesperson for the sheriff's department stated, "The Pima County Sheriff's Department continues to work closely with the FBI as investigators follow up on leads, review information, and pursue the facts surrounding this case." Both the department and the FBI have been investigating Ms. Guthrie's disappearance from her home near Tucson, Arizona, for several months.
Family's Belief and Public Plea
While it is not confirmed if authorities deem the ransom notes authentic, the Guthrie family has publicly expressed their belief in the legitimacy of the letters, which were disseminated to local and national media outlets. Multiple reports on Monday indicated that law enforcement had requested media outlets not to publicize details from the notes to avoid compromising the investigation.
Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of the US news program 'Today,' previously stated that her mother was "taken in the dark of night from her bed" after last being seen on January 31. The first ransom note, sent the day after her disappearance, reportedly contained specific details about Ms. Guthrie's home, including her bedroom and the surrounding area, according to investigators who spoke with CBS. This note was reportedly addressed directly to Savannah Guthrie.
Following the receipt of the two notes, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a video message. In the video, the NBC host said, "We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her." She also conveyed the family's willingness to pay.
Health Concerns and Reward Offers
Authorities and the Guthrie family repeatedly issued public warnings about the 84-year-old's poor health and her need for critical medication. The family had offered a $1 million reward, supplemented by an additional $100,000 from the FBI, for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's safe return. On February 24, Savannah Guthrie expressed that the family would maintain hope despite acknowledging, "we know that she may be lost, she may already be gone."
Source: Ransom note claimed Nancy Guthrie died after abduction