Savannah Guthrie issues ‘do the right thing’ plea as ransom notes emerge
Investigators have published the full text of two ransom notes linked to the disappearance of the broadcaster’s mother as authorities continue their search and renew appeals for information.
Savannah Guthrie has renewed her public appeal for information about her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, after investigators released the full text of two ransom notes for the first time as the search for the 84-year-old approaches its six-month mark.
The 54-year-old Today presenter has been at the centre of an extensive search since Nancy was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, on 1 February.
On Friday (31.07.26), the Pima County Sheriff’s Department published the complete wording of two ransom notes that had previously only been described in news reports.
Authorities said the messages were sent to several media organisations, including Arizona CBS affiliate KOLD-TV 13 News, on 2 February – the day after Nancy disappeared – and again on 6 February.
The release comes as investigators continue to work with the FBI, which has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery or an arrest, while Savannah and her family have announced a separate $1million reward.
Savannah, best known as a long-serving co-anchor of NBC’s Today, has continued to make public appeals throughout the investigation.
According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, the first note was addressed directly to Savannah.
It read: “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. She will be held 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.”
The note continued: “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 received 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 here from here on out, there will be no negotiation. Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you.”
Authorities said the note also contained a redacted line before stating: “She had a white smartwatch on the floor at the foot of her bed and the white floodlight in the backyard was destroyed.”
The second note, addressed to the Guthrie family, claimed Nancy had died after being abducted.
It read: “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.”
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it hopes releasing the notes will help identify the author, saying someone may recognise “patterns of expression” or other characteristics that could assist the investigation.
Detectives said they are asking members of the public to consider whether anyone they know displayed changes in mood or appearance, unexplained injuries, or an unusual interest in Nancy’s neighbourhood or the investigation.
The department also highlighted surveillance images and video previously released by the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, which show a masked and armed man outside Nancy’s home during the early hours of 1 February, when investigators believe she was abducted.
Investigators have previously said blood recovered from the exterior porch matched Nancy’s DNA.
With assistance from the FBI, detectives are continuing to analyse a mixed DNA sample recovered from the property, while authorities have not ruled out the possibility that a single individual carried out the abduction.
Speaking to People in May as the investigation reached its 100-day mark, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said: “I think we’re getting closer.”
Earlier on Friday (31.07.26), a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed to People that hair recovered from Nancy’s Tucson home had not led investigators to identify a suspect.
Earlier this week, Savannah shared an emotional video message on Instagram addressing whoever may be responsible for her mother’s disappearance.
She said: “The world can be a cruel and unforgiving place, and I know that you have tried to do things the right way.
“So 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. I truly believe it is never too late to do the right thing. Help us bring this situation to an end for all of us.”
Savannah concluded her appeal by saying: “No matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, I believe there is always a way home. Please make the right choice.”
