Topic overview
In brief
- Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her Tucson home on February 1, 2026.
- Two ransom notes were sent to her family, one demanding Bitcoin and the other claiming she had died.
- The sheriff's department reported a slight increase in tips following the release of the notes, but the case remains unsolved.
Summary
In Tucson, Arizona, Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, was kidnapped from her home on February 1, 2026. Following her abduction, two ransom notes were sent to her family and Tucson media, prompting the Pima County Sheriff's Department to release details about these notes. The first note, received on February 2, claimed that Nancy was safe but scared and demanded millions of dollars in Bitcoin, threatening her life if payment was not made. It included specific details about her surroundings, indicating the sender's knowledge of the situation.
The second note, sent on February 6, took a darker turn, stating that Nancy had died and was buried in nature. The note expressed regret, claiming that the kidnappers never intended to harm her and that her death occurred shortly after her abduction. This note also included an apology to the family, suggesting that nothing they could have done would have changed the outcome. The release of these notes has led to a slight increase in tips to the sheriff's department, although none have yet provided a breakthrough in the case.