The Guthrie family on Saturday issued a fresh appeal for anyone with information about the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie to come forward, following the release of two ransom notes that authorities said may contain distinctive handwriting or phrasing that someone could recognize.
In a Facebook post, Savannah Guthrie, the Today Show host and Nancy's daughter, urged the public to examine the notes and report any potential matches. “Someone recognizes the writing in the ransom demand notes,” she wrote. “You can do so anonymously. The reward is available. There is a way to end this situation and do the right thing.”
The notes, which were originally sent to KOLD, a Tucson television station, were made public by authorities on Friday. The first note contained two deadlines for a bitcoin ransom: $4 million by February 5 or $6 million by February 9. It warned, “Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands.”
The second note indicated that Nancy Guthrie died of a “heart related” issue shortly after being kidnapped. “She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry,” the letter read.
Authorities noted that the notes contain “distinctive linguistic characteristics” that might be familiar to those who know the writer. “A friend, family member, coworker, classmate or acquaintance may recognize these patterns of expression and possess information that could help identify the individual responsible,” the press release stated.
The FBI announced in early July that it was investigating the ransom notes as potentially legitimate. Other ransom letters were also sent to media outlets, including emails in early February that TMZ reported were verified by the FBI.
Savannah Guthrie said her family “will never stop looking for answers” and “will never stop looking for the light.” She concluded, “Please. Bring her home.”
Dr. Ann Burgess, a researcher and psychiatric clinical nurse specialist who worked with the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit, speculated that the case may involve retribution. “I think something went very wrong inside the house … because you know, there was blood,” she said.
The case has drawn widespread attention, and authorities have warned of scams related to the disappearance. The Arizona sheriff's office recently cautioned the public about a QR code scam that falsely claims to offer information about the case. The FBI continues to urge anyone with credible information to come forward.
As the investigation continues, the family's plea underscores the emotional toll of the case. The release of the notes, while providing new clues, has also deepened the mystery surrounding Nancy Guthrie's fate.
