A ransom note sent to an Arizona television station claims that Nancy Guthrie died shortly after her abduction. The note, sent in February, stated that she died soon after being taken. Guthrie, 84, is the mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie and was last seen on January 31. She was reported missing on February 1 after failing to attend church.
Sources familiar with the investigation indicated that her death was accidental and not intended by the kidnappers. The note also mentioned that Guthrie was 'buried with nature.' Investigators noted that the ransom note was delivered via email from the same IP address as a previous note sent shortly after her disappearance, containing details from the night she was abducted.
Following her abduction, the FBI released footage showing an armed, masked man at her front door. Multiple ransom notes claiming to be from her abductors were sent to law enforcement and media, but most were deemed illegitimate. Two notes were considered valid; one demanded a ransom in cryptocurrency, while the second informed about Guthrie's alleged accidental death.
The second note was known to CNN and a Tucson television station, which chose not to publicize it at law enforcement's request to aid the investigation. President Donald Trump allocated federal and local law enforcement resources to assist in the search for Guthrie, stating that all available resources would be deployed to ensure her safe return. As of now, the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, and there has been no official confirmation regarding the claims made in the ransom note.