Sheriff Investigating Ransom Note in Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother

Investigators are examining a possible ransom note connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.

The note was sent to a local Arizona television station earlier this week and contained specific details about Guthrie’s home and what she was wearing the night she vanished, Nanos told CBS News. The station agreed not to publish the note and instead turned it over to authorities.

Nanos said investigators have not confirmed whether the details in the note are accurate or whether the note itself is legitimate, but stressed that it is being treated seriously.

“It’s like any piece of evidence,” Nanos told CBS News. “You give it to us, you give us a lead, we’re going to look at every aspect of that lead.”

CBS affiliate KOLD-TV reported Tuesday that it received an email believed to be one of the alleged ransom notes and forwarded it to the sheriff’s office. Authorities said the FBI reviewed the note and made the decision to share its contents with Savannah Guthrie.

Nanos said investigators had hoped to keep the note from becoming public, but TMZ reported on it before contacting law enforcement.

Investigation Treats Case as Abduction

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson-area home late Saturday night. She was reported missing after she failed to show up for church Sunday morning, prompting family members to alert authorities.

“I believe she was abducted, yes,” Nanos told CBS News. “She didn’t walk from there. She didn’t go willingly.”

The sheriff has repeatedly emphasized that Guthrie lives alone, has no cognitive impairments, and has very limited mobility, making it unlikely she could have left her home on her own.

“We know she didn’t just walk out of there,” Nanos said.

Investigators have described the home as a crime scene, noting concerning signs that led them to believe a crime occurred.

Blood Evidence and Surveillance Footage

A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation told CBS News that a small amount of blood was found inside Guthrie’s home. Additional dried blood was also observed near a doormat outside the front door on Tuesday.

Surveillance footage from a home security system has so far failed to provide answers. Nanos said investigators believe the system may have been set to automatically delete video after a short period, and forensic efforts are underway to attempt to recover any lost footage.

Authorities have urged neighbors to review their own security camera footage from the area and to contact law enforcement with any relevant information.

Savannah Guthrie Issues Tearful Public Plea

Four days after her mother’s disappearance, Savannah Guthrie publicly appealed for help in a video posted to Instagram, addressing both her mother and whoever may be responsible for her disappearance.

In the video, posted Wednesday, Feb. 4, Guthrie appeared alongside her sister, Annie, and brother, Camron. The video was captioned “Bring her home.” Speaking directly to the camera, Guthrie acknowledged reports of a ransom note and made a direct appeal.

“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” she said. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”

She went on to describe Nancy Guthrie as the emotional center of their family and thanked the public for the outpouring of support.

Urgent Medical Concerns

Sheriff Nanos has expressed increasing concern about Guthrie’s health, noting that she requires daily medication that she has not had access to since her disappearance.

“The clock is literally ticking,” Nanos said. “You’ve placed her in great jeopardy without giving her meds that are critical to her.”

He added that missing those medications for more than 24 hours “could be fatal.” Investigators have not said how many people may have been involved in the apparent abduction.

“It could be one, it could’ve been more, I don’t know,” Nanos said.

Public Asked to Remain Alert

Authorities are asking members of the public to remain vigilant and to report any possible sightings of Nancy Guthrie. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said she is 5 feet, 5 inches tall, weighs approximately 150 pounds, and has brown hair and blue eyes.

Nanos urged anyone who believes they may see her to take a photo or video if possible and immediately contact law enforcement.

The investigation remains active, with detectives coordinating closely with the FBI as they pursue leads related to the ransom note and other evidence.

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