Nancy Guthrie ransom notes are released, including message saying she died
One of the notes threatened to kill Nancy Guthrie if a multimillion-dollar ransom wasn't paid in a week. The second, a few days later, says, "She is buried in nature now."
Updated on: July 31, 2026 / 7:38 PM EDT / CBS News
Two notes that appear to have been sent by Nancy Guthrie's kidnapper to a local news outlet shortly after her disappearance were made public Friday by the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
The search for the missing 84-year-old just passed the six-month mark , but according to the second note, sent on Feb. 6, Guthrie "perished shortly after she was taken," possibly due to heart-related causes.
"She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome," the note says.
The first message was addressed to Guthrie's daughter, "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie , and was sent to the tip line for CBS affiliate KOLD-TV in Tucson on Feb. 2. It reads:
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 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.