Authorities release Nancy Guthrie ransom note, seeking writer recognition

Authorities are seeking public assistance in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie. The Pima County Sheriff's Department released an early ransom note, believing its distinctive writing style and word choices may be recognizable to someone who knows the author. Guthrie went missing from her home near Tucson on February 1.

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We believe these distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognizable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes' writer.

A second note, sent February 6, stated that Nancy Guthrie died shortly after her abduction, saying, "She is buried in nature now." The note also included an apology, "We are truly sorry." However, authorities have not confirmed whether Nancy Guthrie is still alive. The first note, sent February 2, demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency and threatened her life if the payment was not made, stating, "Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands."

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Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands.

Investigators are employing linguistic analysis of the notes, a technique previously used to identify Theodore "Ted" Kaczynski, the "Unabomber." Kaczynski's brother and sister-in-law recognized his writing style and anti-technology themes in his manifesto, which led to his arrest. The sheriff's department hopes a similar recognition will occur in this case, urging anyone with information to come forward, acknowledging that personal loyalties or safety concerns might make it difficult.

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She is buried in nature now.

New evidence also suggests the kidnapping was planned. The sheriff's office is appealing to the public, emphasizing that "It is not too late to come forward." The distinctive patterns in the notes, including specific word choices and phrasing, are considered key to identifying the writer's mindset and potentially their identity.

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We are truly sorry.