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Ransom Notes Released in Six-Month-Old Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie
🇲🇽 Mexico /Crime & Justice

Ransom Notes Released in Six-Month-Old Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

From El Universal · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Under investigation
  • Authorities released two ransom notes received after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of journalist Savannah Guthrie, six months ago.
  • The notes demanded $4 million in bitcoin for her safe return, with threats of increased ransom and death if payment was not met.
  • A second note claimed Guthrie had died from a cardiac issue shortly after capture, expressing regret and condolences.

Six months after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of American journalist Savannah Guthrie, authorities have released two ransom notes as part of a renewed appeal for public assistance. Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, at her residence in Catalina Foothills, Arizona, where she lived alone.

She is safe but scared.

— UnknownFrom the first ransom note sent to KOLD-TV 13.

The Pima County Sheriff's Office shared the notes, which were sent to local Tucson television station KOLD-TV 13 on February 2 and 6. The first note, addressed directly to Savannah Guthrie, claimed her mother was being held and was "safe but scared." It stated that Nancy Guthrie would not be released until a $4 million payment in bitcoin was made by 5 p.m. on February 5. The message warned that the ransom would increase to $6 million if the deadline was missed, and failure to comply would result in Guthrie's death. It also cautioned against involving law enforcement.

Her life is in your hands. It is in all of our best interest that this is resolved as quickly as possible.

— UnknownFrom the first ransom note, urging prompt payment.

A second note, sent to the Guthrie family via the television station's assignment desk, conveyed that Nancy Guthrie had passed away. The kidnappers stated they "did not fully comprehend the severity of her physical condition" and that her death, believed to be from a cardiac issue shortly after her capture, was unintentional. The message expressed remorse, stating, "We want her family to know and we hope everyone finds peace. We are sincerely sorry."

We did not fully comprehend the severity of her physical condition... She passed away shortly after being captured. We believe it was due to a cardiac issue.

— UnknownFrom the second ransom note, explaining the circumstances of Nancy Guthrie's death.

Authorities had previously disclosed in June that a note regarding the case had been received. The investigation continues as they seek help identifying the responsible parties. Nancy Guthrie, who had a pacemaker, was living alone in the desert area near Tucson.

We want her family to know and we hope everyone finds peace. We are sincerely sorry.

— UnknownConcluding remarks from the second ransom note.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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