THE PIMA COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT, working with a joint task force that includes the FBI, announced on September 28 that investigators are now reviewing a possible new ransom note tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. The 84‑year‑old mother of NBC “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie vanished from her Tucson‑area home on February 1, 2026, without her phone or essential medications.
New note under scrutiny
According to a statement released to CNN, the task force was “recently made aware of a new possible ransom note” and is assessing its authenticity. Officials also noted that social‑media commentary about the note is being examined as part of the credibility review. No further details about the note’s contents or origin were provided.
Recent developments in the case
In August, human remains were discovered in the Sonoran Desert roughly 15 miles from the location where Guthrie was believed to have been abducted. Law‑enforcement officials quickly clarified that there was no indication the remains were connected to the missing‑person investigation.
Earlier in the year, two letters purportedly from the abductor were released. The first, dated the day after the disappearance, demanded a $4 million bitcoin payment and warned that the victim would be killed if the deadline passed. A second note, dated February 6, claimed the victim had died of a heart‑related condition.
Law‑enforcement perspective
FBI officials have previously described some of the ransom communications as illegitimate extortion attempts, while acknowledging that other messages might be genuine and remain under investigation. The agency’s public statements emphasize that every tip and lead is being taken seriously and forwarded to detectives for further analysis.
John Miller, CNN’s chief law‑enforcement analyst, cautioned that a lack of a public connection between the desert remains and the case does not preclude a scientific link, noting the difference between investigative judgment and definitive evidence.
Family’s ongoing plea
Savannah Guthrie continues to appeal for information, posting on Instagram that the family is “begging for help” and urging anyone with knowledge of the alleged kidnappers or the ransom notes to come forward, even anonymously.
“Our hearts are in ruins,” Guthrie wrote, describing the daily anguish experienced by her siblings as they search for their mother.
Legal action related to false threats
In July, a 42‑year‑old man pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment for sending a threatening text to Guthrie’s daughter and son‑in‑law shortly after the family’s public plea. The plea acknowledges that the defendant was aware of an earlier ransom demand and intended to harass the family. Sentencing is scheduled for September 10.
What comes next?
The joint task force will continue to evaluate the new note’s credibility, compare linguistic patterns with previous communications, and follow any leads that emerge from the public and social‑media discourse. Authorities stress that the investigation remains active and that any information, no matter how small, could prove critical.
Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.
