Police in Arizona say they’re investigating the legitimacy of a number of suspected ransom notes despatched to media shops across the space the place Nancy Guthrie, the mom of Savannah Guthrie — who hosts NBC’s morning present At present — was allegedly kidnapped.
Not less than three completely different media shops, TMZ and two of CNN’s Tucson associates, KOLD and KGUN, reported receiving the purported ransom notes demanding tens of millions in bitcoin for Guthrie’s launch.
Police haven’t decided whether or not the notes are legit, however advised reporters on Tuesday that they’re being taken significantly.
“When the notice involves us, it’s like all piece of proof. You give it to us. You give us a lead. We’re going to have a look at each side of that lead and work it as a lead,” Sheriff Chris Nanos stated.
Nanos stated TMZ reported receiving the notice earlier than alerting authorities.
The shops that reported receiving the ransom notice stated it contained particular details about the within of Guthrie’s dwelling, however didn’t present any additional particulars. Nanos has not confirmed whether or not the contents of the notes match the crime scene. He stated that the notes had been shared with Savannah Guthrie.
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In a brand new interview with NBC’s Liz Kreutz on At present on Wednesday morning, Nanos stated, “We’ve nothing else to go on however the perception that she is right here.”
“We need to save her,” he continued.
In an announcement posted on X on Tuesday afternoon, the Pima County Sheriff’s Division stated it was conscious of stories of ransom notes and that it was working intently with the FBI.
Investigators imagine Guthrie, 84, was taken from her dwelling in Tucson, Ariz., towards her will.
Nanos stated Guthrie has restricted mobility and famous different elements indicating she didn’t depart on her personal, however declined to elaborate additional.
Guthrie, who lived alone, was of sound thoughts, he added.
“This isn’t dementia-related. She’s as sharp as a tack. The household desires everybody to know that this isn’t somebody who simply wandered off,” Nanos stated, including that she wants day by day treatment.
Nanos stated at a information convention Sunday night time that Guthrie was final seen round 9:30 p.m. Saturday at her dwelling within the Tucson space.
Her household reported her lacking round midday Sunday. The sheriff stated a member of the family obtained a name from somebody at church saying Nancy Guthrie wasn’t there, main household to seek for her at her dwelling after which calling 911.
This picture supplied by the Pima County Sheriff’s Division on Feb. 2, 2026, exhibits a lacking individual alert for Nancy Guthrie.
Pima County Sheriff’s Division through AP
Nanos advised CBS Information that safety footage from Guthrie’s dwelling revealed nothing as a result of it was seemingly auto-deleted after a sure interval. It should be obtained through forensic means, he stated.
A search utilizing canines, drones and supported by border patrol brokers and a murder unit was triggered over the weekend however has since been pulled again, Nanos stated. It isn’t normal for the murder group to get entangled in such instances, he added.
“This one stood out due to what was described to us on the scene and what we situated simply trying on the scene,” Nanos stated Sunday. He was not ruling out foul play.
“We don’t see this as a search mission a lot as it’s a crime scene,” the sheriff stated on Monday.
A small quantity of blood was discovered contained in the Tucson dwelling, a regulation enforcement supply advised CBS Information. As of this writing, it has not been confirmed whose blood was on the scene. Assessments are at the moment being carried out to find out its origin.
Savannah Guthrie issued an announcement on Monday about her mom’s disappearance.
“On behalf of our household, I need to thank everybody for the ideas, prayers and messages of help,” she stated. “Proper now, our focus stays on the protected return of our expensive Nancy.”
— With information from International Information’ Katie Scott
© 2026 International Information, a division of Corus Leisure Inc.
