Media outlets receive alleged ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie abduction
Alleged ransom notes demanding payment in Bitcoin have surfaced in the investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, according to media reports.
TMZ reported Tuesday that it received what it described as an alleged ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin for Guthrie’s release. The outlet said the note calls for a specific cryptocurrency amount in the millions to be sent to a designated Bitcoin address.
TMZ said the note includes a deadline and an “or else” warning, adding that it verified the Bitcoin address and forwarded the material to authorities.
Mary Coleman, an anchor at KOLD, the CBS affiliate in Tucson, said the station’s newsroom also received what appears to be a ransom note and has provided it to law enforcement. No additional details were released.
“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Office said. “We are taking all tips and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in goes directly to our detectives, who are coordinating with the FBI.”
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in an earlier briefing on Tuesday that investigators do not yet know whether the abduction was random or targeted and are considering both possibilities. When asked whether kidnappers have made demands, Nanos said investigators are working through numerous leads.
Asked whether more than one person may have been involved, Nanos said investigators do not know. “No clue,” he said. “It could have been one. It could have been more.”
Footage recorded by NewsNation from outside the home shows what appears to be a trail of blood near the front door. Investigators are also examining the apparent absence of a doorbell camera from the residence. Authorities have not said who removed it or when.
Investigators believe Guthrie was abducted from her home near Tucson and did not leave voluntarily. Authorities have said Guthrie has significant mobility limitations and requires medication, adding that going without it could be life-threatening.
Nanos said Guthrie was dropped off at her home around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday and was reported missing at about 11 a.m. the following morning. He said investigators have submitted multiple samples for DNA testing and have received some results, but nothing has identified a suspect.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
