FBI Determines All Three Ransom Notes in Nancy Guthrie Case Are Fake
Five months into one of the most high-profile missing persons cases in recent memory, a major development has shifted the direction of the investigation: the FBI has determined that all three ransom notes tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie are fake, according to an exclusive Reuters report published June 30.
The finding calls into question the central assumption that has guided public understanding of the case since February — that Nancy Guthrie, 84, was abducted for ransom.
What Was Reported
According to Reuters, the FBI assessed all three notes — two sent to media outlets in early February and a third received more recently — to be inauthentic. "None of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine," Reuters reported.
The FBI pointed to a cryptocurrency payment that was never claimed by those who sent the notes as one factor in its assessment. The third note, received by TMZ, came from someone claiming to know the identity of Nancy's abductors and demanding one bitcoin in exchange for the information including video, photos, names and ages of alleged suspects. That note was also deemed fake.
Reuters noted that the finding "seemed to raise doubts about investigators' fundamental premise that Nancy Guthrie was abducted for ransom to begin with."
The Three Notes — What They Said
The first ransom note was sent to multiple local news outlets on Feb. 2, the day after Nancy was reported missing, demanding a ransom of $4 million for her safe return and setting a deadline of 5 p.m. on Feb. 9.
A second note, sent Feb. 6, claimed that Nancy had died shortly after being taken and that her abductors had not intended to kill her. The existence of this note was known to investigators and certain media outlets early on, but its contents — including the claim of her death — were kept private at the request of law enforcement, who feared the disclosure would reduce public tips. The contents were not publicly reported until June 22, 2026, prompting Savannah Guthrie to make an emotional live plea on Today.
"No matter how much I try to come out here every day and smile and find that joy, and I will, I promise I will, this is a moment to tell you that we need your help," Savannah said on the June 23 broadcast. "We're begging for your help, and I'm not going to miss that opportunity. And so please if you're watching, no matter how small, the reward is there. You can tell us, it can be anonymous. Please do the right thing for us, for our family, for our children. We love our mom, and we'll never stop looking for her. Never."
Background on the Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen at approximately 9:48 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2026, when she was dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona after dinner at her daughter Annie's home. She was reported missing around noon the following day when she failed to appear at a friend's house for an online church service.
Investigators found bloodstains at the scene later confirmed by DNA analysis to be Nancy's. Her doorbell camera had been removed. The FBI subsequently released footage of a masked, armed individual tampering with the camera outside her home. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said at the time that she had not left voluntarily and that a crime had been committed.
Nancy is 84, has limited mobility and requires daily medication. She has lived in the Tucson area for more than five decades. A reward of more than $1 million has been offered by the family and the FBI for information leading to her safe return.
Where the Investigation Stands
The FBI's conclusion that the ransom notes are fake does not mean investigators now believe no kidnapping occurred. Physical evidence at the scene — including blood, the removed doorbell camera, the footage of the masked individual and other forensic evidence — continues to support the assessment that Nancy was taken against her will. What the fake notes eliminate is the theory that she was taken specifically for financial ransom.
No suspect has been publicly identified. No proof of life has been provided. The investigation remains open and active.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
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