Nancy Guthrie ransom note gives chilling warning to Savannah Guthrie
New details have emerged about the first ransom note sent in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Speaking on the Crime Junkie podcast, crime journalist Briana Whitney read the note aloud, revealing that it opened with the chilling message: "Hello, Savannah. We have your mother."
According to Whitney, the note claimed Nancy was alive but being held for ransom and warned that she would be killed if the demands were not met.
Kidnappers demanded millions in bitcoin
The note reportedly instructed Savannah Guthrie to pay millions of dollars in bitcoin in exchange for her mother's release.
It allegedly demanded $4 million by an initial deadline, warning the amount would increase to $6 million if payment was delayed. The sender claimed Nancy would be released within 12 hours of receiving the funds but threatened to kill her if the final deadline passed.
The note also warned, "Do not play games," adding that law enforcement would not be able to help.
Investigators examining note's authenticity
Whitney said the sender included details about Nancy Guthrie's home that had not been made public, including the location of a smartwatch and damage to a backyard floodlight.
According to the podcast, investigators are continuing to examine whether the ransom note is genuine. The FBI and the Pima County Sheriff's Department have not publicly commented on the latest claims.
Savannah Guthrie continues public plea
Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona, home on Jan. 31. Authorities believe she was abducted by a masked intruder captured on surveillance footage.
In recent weeks, Savannah Guthrie has repeatedly urged anyone with information to come forward, saying her family continues to live in "agony" as the investigation remains ongoing.
Note to readers: This article reports on claims discussed in a podcast and ongoing law enforcement investigations. The authenticity of the ransom note has not been publicly confirmed by investigators, and the case remains under investigation.
