Kidnappers Demand $6 Million in Bitcoin for Safe Return of Savannah Guthrie’s Missing Mother Nancy
Tucson, Arizona – The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC TODAY show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has taken a dramatic turn with reports of a ransom demand totaling $6 million in Bitcoin. Multiple media outlets, including Tucson’s KGUN9, have received notes from individuals claiming responsibility for the abduction, setting a urgent deadline of 5 p.m. local time today.[1][2]
Ransom Notes Surface Amid Intensifying Investigation
Multimedia journalist JJ McKinney of KGUN9 revealed that his station received one of several ransom notes sent to media outlets. “Multiple ransom notes have been sent out to the media, including one that was sent to us,” McKinney stated. The letter explicitly demands $6 million from the Guthrie family, with threats to Nancy Guthrie’s life if the payment is not made by the deadline.[1]
TMZ reported receiving an alleged ransom note on Tuesday, describing it as demanding a “specific substantial amount of Bitcoin… the amount is in the millions” sent to a verified Bitcoin address. The note included details such as an item Nancy was not wearing and damage to an item at her Tucson-area home, which TMZ forwarded to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.[4]
KGUN9 later removed a video report on the note from its online platforms, but the details aligned with reports from Fox News and CNN-News18, confirming the $6 million figure and Bitcoin payment method.[2][3]
Family’s Public Plea: ‘We Will Pay’
In a heartfelt video posted to Instagram on Saturday, February 7, Savannah Guthrie appeared alongside her siblings, Annie and Camron Guthrie, addressing the alleged kidnappers directly. “We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her,” Savannah said. “This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”[2]
Camron Guthrie added an emotional appeal: “We have to know that you have our mom. We want to talk to you, and we are waiting for contact.” The family’s willingness to comply underscores the desperation amid the high-stakes ordeal.[1]
Law Enforcement Response and Reward Offered
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Chris Nanos, has classified the case as a potential kidnapping or abduction. “We believe Nancy is still out there,” Nanos stated during a press briefing on Thursday, February 5. Homicide detectives are involved, and DNA evidence from Guthrie’s home is under examination. Her car and cellphone were left at the scene, with data from the device being analyzed for clues.[1]
The FBI has joined local Arizona officials in the investigation, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or the arrest and conviction of those responsible. The sheriff’s department confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that they are aware of circulating ransom note reports and are coordinating all tips with federal agents.[1][4]
Investigators Weigh Risks of Ransom Exchange
Security expert Clarke, speaking to Fox News, described the kidnappers as “smart and stupid.” They demonstrated knowledge of the family, their location, and details to pull off the abduction, but experts warn that ransom payments often lead to captures. “The exchange of money is typically when most kidnappers are caught,” Clarke noted.[2]
No suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified as of Monday morning. Pima County spokesperson Kevin Adger emphasized that detectives are pursuing all leads in what has become a joint federal-local effort.[1]
Timeline of Events
- Sunday (Feb. 1?): Nancy Guthrie reported missing from her Tucson-area home.[4]
- Thursday, Feb. 5: Sheriff Nanos press briefing; believes Nancy is alive.[1]
- Tuesday (early Feb.?): TMZ receives alleged ransom note.[4]
- Saturday, Feb. 7: Guthrie siblings post plea video on Instagram.[2]
- Sunday-Monday, Feb. 8-9: KGUN9 and others report $6M demand with 5 p.m. Monday deadline.[1][2]
Public and Media Scrutiny
The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s prominence on morning television. While media outlets have shared details of the ransom notes, some like KGUN9 have pulled back on publishing visuals, likely at the request of authorities to avoid compromising the investigation.[2]
As the deadline approaches, the Guthrie family remains in the public eye, balancing their willingness to pay with hopes for a safe resolution. Law enforcement urges anyone with information to come forward, emphasizing the $50,000 reward and the gravity of the tips being pursued.[1]
The investigation continues with heightened urgency, as authorities race against the self-imposed deadline. Updates are expected as new developments emerge.