Ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie case released - as police hope writing style is recognised

Police investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of TV host Savannah Guthrie, have released early ransom notes in the hunt for her suspected kidnapper.

Two notes were sent to a local television station days after the 84-year-old went missing from her home outside Tucson in the US state of Arizona on 1 February.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department said it believes "these distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognisable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes' writer".

The first note demanded $4m (£3m) in bitcoin for Ms Guthrie's release. Here is the text in full:

"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.

"We will be holding her 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.

"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 recieved (sic) 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 from here on out, there will be no negotiation. Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you.

"She had a white smart watch on the floor of the foot of her bed and the white flood light in backyard was destroyed."

The second note claimed Ms Guthrie had "perished shortly after she was taken". Here is the text in full:

"Guthrie Family,

"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 is urging anyone who may recognise the patterns in the notes to contact them, saying in a statement on Friday: "It is not too late to come forward."

It also said two videos recovered from Ms Guthrie's doorbell camera might be from two separate days and indicate an unidentified male preparing ahead of the kidnapping.

The FBI has previously released images of a suspect in the case.

Authorities are currently seeking information on anyone who behaved differently, changed their physical appearance, suddenly left the Tucson area, or had a noticeable or unexplained interest or disinterest in the case.

There has been no sign of Nancy Guthrie since she went missing on 1 February.

Her children - including NBC host Savannah - have released emotional appeals, with the TV host directly addressing the kidnapper in a video released earlier this week.

"I'm asking you, begging you, to do the right thing now," she said. "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."

(c) Sky News 2026: Ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie case released - as police hope writing style is recognised