Ransom note in Guthrie case demands millions in Bitcoin as blood found at home
Concerns are growing over the safety of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother, after blood was found in her Arizona home. Investigators also say a ransom note was sent to a local news station.
Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie, 84, was taken from her bed while she slept late Saturday night or early Sunday morning.
The ransom
At least two media outlets, including TMZ, have received what appears to be a ransom note. Investigators with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said they are now working to confirm whether it is authentic and who sent it.
Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News a local news station received the ransom note on Monday and agreed not to report on it. Nanos said the note contained specific details about the home and what Nancy Guthrie was wearing the night of her abduction, although he could not confirm the accuracy of the information.
Nanos did not say which station received the note, but CBS said its affiliate KOLD-TV reported Tuesday it had got an email that “appears to be one of the alleged ransom notes” and forwarded to the sheriff’s office.
He said the FBI reviewed the note, which authorities had hoped to keep from becoming public. However, Nanos said TMZ obtained a copy of the note and reported on it before contacting the sheriff’s office.
According to TMZ, the note demands millions of dollars in cryptocurrency be sent to a specific Bitcoin address. TMZ said it has verified that the address is real.
The blood
CBS News has also obtained video showing blood droplets outside the front door of Nancy Guthrie’s home, in the foothills of the Catalina Mountains near Tucson. Authorities have not confirmed whose blood it is.
When asked about the blood during a press conference, Nanos would not confirm its discovery.
“I’m not saying there’s blood inside that house or outside that house,” Nanos told reporters on Tuesday.
He said the evidence collected from the home was still being processed, including DNA, fingerprints and security footage. Nanos added that so far, none of it has pointed toward a suspect.
The facts
Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night after returning home from dinner with family. When she failed to show up for church Sunday morning, relatives called police.
A person familiar with the investigation told the Associated Press that signs of forced entry were found at the home.
Sheriff Nanos told CBS that surveillance video from a home security system has yielded nothing so far. Investigators believe the system was set to automatically delete footage, and they’re attempting to recover it through forensic means.
Investigators do not yet know how many people may have been involved in the apparent abduction.
“It could be one, it could’ve been more, I don’t know,” he said.
The sheriff said time is critical. Guthrie relies on daily medication and without it, her life could be in danger.
“The clock is literally ticking,” Nanos said. “You’ve placed her in great jeopardy without giving her meds that are critical to her.”
Guthrie’s other personal items, including her cellphone, wallet and her car, were also still in the home after she disappeared.
The impact
“Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie is no longer slated to host the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony Friday in Italy as authorities continue their investigation.
She has asked the public for prayers.
“Savannah will not be joining us at the Olympics as she focuses on being with her family during this difficult time,” an NBC Sports spokesperson said in a statement Tuesday. “Our hearts are with her and the entire Guthrie family as the search continues for their mother. We will share additional information about our Opening Ceremony coverage plans soon.”
When asked about the case on Tuesday, President Donald Trump called it “terrible” and said he plans to reach out to Savannah Guthrie.
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Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
