The FBI has determined that all three messages purporting to be from kidnappers in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, are not authentic. The assessment covers two ransom notes that surfaced in early February and a third note received more recently by media outlets.
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance remains ongoing, with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department leading the probe. The FBI has not publicly detailed additional leads, and the sheriff’s department continues to seek tips from the public. The hoax notes have drawn significant media attention but appear to be the work of individuals unconnected to the actual events.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen alive on the evening of January 31, 2026, after spending time with her daughter Annie and son-in-law at her Catalina Foothills home. She was reported missing the following day. DNA testing confirmed blood found on her front porch belonged to her. Surveillance footage released by authorities showed an armed, masked prowler tampering with her doorbell camera shortly before the disappearance.
The family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her recovery. Savannah Guthrie, 54, and her siblings have publicly referenced ransom demands in video appeals, pleading for direct communication and stating “we will pay.” On her show, she has urged anyone with information to come forward while highlighting a substantial family reward.
Original reporting: The Dallas Express — read the source article.
