Details of ransom note for Nancy Guthrie released as investigation reaches 6-month mark

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD/Gray News) - The Nancy Guthrie investigation has reached the six-month mark.

Details of two notes that 13 News received early in the search have now been released.

13 News received the notes early in the search — one on Feb. 2 and the second on Feb. 6 — from someone claiming to have Nancy Guthrie. The notes were turned over to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI.

The hope with making these notes public is that it may lead to a tip based on the content.

The first note demanded millions in bitcoin for Nancy Guthrie’s release.

Hello Savannah,

We have your mother Nancy. She is safe but scared. She will be held for ransom and once payment is received she will be released unharmed. We will be holding her for a maximum of 7 days. You will need to send bitcoin in the amount of $4 million USD before 5PM on Thursday the 5th. If payment is not received, the ransom will be increased to 6 million USD which will need to be paid by 5PM on Monday the 9th. Once payment is received to the bitcoin address below she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop off location back in Tucson. If payment is not recieved by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed. Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible. You will not be able to contact me from here on out, there will be no negotiation. Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you.

Bitcoin address: ********

She had a white smart watch on the floor of the foot of her bed and the white flood light in backyard was destroyed.

The second was similar in language and style but did not make any demands.

Guthrie Family,We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. 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.

Bitcoin address: ********

Sheriff Chris Nanos said that, despite no arrests at this point, he believes progress is being made.

“We have gathered a lot of evidence in this case and I wish you knew it, I wish the community could know all of the evidence, but that’s just not how investigations work,” Nanos said. “Whether it’s this case or any case. We have an obligation, we have a duty and a responsibility, to protect that case and its integrity.”

Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of the “Today” show, said Monday in a video she had a “very specific message” that appears to appeal directly to her mother’s kidnapper or kidnappers.

“I’m asking you, begging you to do the right thing now. Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her,” Savannah Guthrie said.

Nanos agreed, saying, “someone knows something.”

“We completely agree with that. Somebody knows something. We need that person to call us. I always stress how important the DNA evidence is, that that’s going to solve... Somebody knowing something, that’s really going to solve this case.

Nancy Guthrie was 84 when she went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona. She was last seen Jan. 31 and reported missing the following day.

Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home against her will, but no suspects have been identified.

“Through our collective investigative resources, with the assistance of the private sector, we have recovered videos from her residence showing an unidentified male who knows what happened to Nancy. Two videos recovered from Nancy’s doorbell camera may be from two separate days,” the sheriff’s department said.

Furthermore, the sheriff’s department said, “We know there are individuals familiar with this unidentified male who may have observed changes in his behavior around the timeframe of the videos, to include:

• A change in mood or displays of anxiety, nervousness or irritability
• A change of physical appearance: hair color or cut, growth or removal of facial hair, etc.
• Unexplained injuries (cuts on hands, bruises, etc.) during the period Nancy was last seen
• Normal routine changes (missing work, classes or appointments)
• Sudden departures from the area around the time of her disappearance
• Vehicle cleaning, or repairs
• Unexplained interest or disinterest in Nancy Guthrie’s neighborhood
• Noticeable intense interest or disinterest in the investigation or an unexplained knowledge of the situation.

“These communications reveal distinctive patterns of word choice, syntax, and phraseology that reflect the writer’s unique linguistic style. They also provide valuable insight into the person’s mindset, motives, and the evolution of their tone over time.”

Anyone with information is encouraged to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or 88-CRIME (you can remain anonymous).

The Guthrie family is offering a $1 million reward for information leading to her mother’s recovery.