Guthrie Ransom Demands
Pima County Sheriff Releases Nancy Guthrie Ransom Notes Six Months After Kidnapping
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The Pima County Sheriff's Department has released two ransom notes connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie. The notes reveal that kidnappers demanded $4 million in bitcoin and later warned that "nothing will change the outcome" of her captivity, according to KIRO 7.
Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home in Pima County, Arizona, nearly six months ago. The case has gripped the country, in part because of her daughter's high-profile role as co-host of NBC's Today show.
First Note Demanded $4 Million in Bitcoin
The first ransom note was sent directly to television stations across the country. It was addressed to Savannah Guthrie by name, WPXI reported. The note said Nancy was "safe but scared" and would be held until a ransom of $4 million in bitcoin was paid. Bitcoin is a digital currency that is hard to trace, which is why kidnappers often demand it.
Sending the note to TV stations was seen as a deliberate move to apply public pressure. By going directly to the media, the kidnappers forced the story into the national spotlight. It put Savannah Guthrie in the painful position of hearing about her mother's abduction on air.
Second Note Raised Fears About Nancy's Health
Days after the first note, a second message arrived. This one took a darker tone. The kidnappers apologized for Nancy Guthrie's health, suggesting she may be in poor physical condition, according to WHIO. The note stated that "nothing will change the outcome," a phrase investigators are treating as deeply troubling.
Authorities have not said what specific health concerns were mentioned. The second note has added urgency to the search. Investigators are working to determine whether both notes came from the same person or group.
Nearly Six Months With No Sign of Nancy Guthrie
Nancy Guthrie has now been missing for close to six months. She was taken from her home in Pima County, Arizona. The Pima County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation, WSOC TV reported. Federal authorities are also involved given the ransom demands and interstate nature of the case.
Despite the ransom notes, no payment has been publicly confirmed. Investigators are asking anyone with information to come forward. The sheriff's office said releasing the notes was a deliberate step to generate tips from the public.
Why Investigators Chose to Release the Notes Now
Law enforcement agencies sometimes hold back evidence early in an investigation to protect their work. Releasing the notes after nearly six months suggests investigators may be stuck and need the public's help. Boston 25 News reported that the sheriff's department made the decision to go public with both notes at the same time.
The move puts fresh attention on a case that has gone cold. The $4 million bitcoin demand and the ominous second note give investigators and the public key details that could unlock new leads. For Savannah Guthrie, the release is a painful reminder that her mother remains missing.
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