New Ransom Note Claims Video Evidence in Nancy Guthrie Case
A new ransom note received by TMZ on Friday alleges that video evidence exists showing Nancy Guthrie, the missing 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, with one of her alleged kidnappers. The sender claims to have a phone stashed in a secure location containing a short video of “the main guy with Nancy the day that was probably her last,” along with photographs, names, addresses, and ages of both suspects.
New Developments
According to TMZ, the outlet has authenticated the new email as coming from the same person who sent previous communications, citing matching Bitcoin addresses and alias. The sender demands one Bitcoin in exchange for the phone’s password. TMZ has responded by asking for a screenshot of Nancy Guthrie in the video as proof of authenticity before proceeding further.
The sender also dismissed a recent false lead, stating, “I am not the idiot who recently called in a tip about her burial site in Mexico.” He claims there are two kidnappers involved and that the phone is stored in a “location easy to access if you know where it is.”
Law Enforcement Response
USA Today reported that the Pima County Sheriff’s Department declined to comment on the latest development. The FBI stated it does “not comment on ongoing investigations.” TMZ has forwarded the email to the FBI.
The Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, when a family member dropped her off at her home in Catalina Foothills, an affluent suburb of Tucson, Arizona. She was reported missing the following morning after failing to appear for a virtual church service. According to the BBC, investigators have reviewed over 40,000 leads in the nearly five months since her disappearance.
Evidence recovered from Guthrie’s home indicated she was taken against her will. Bloodstains found at the scene were confirmed to be hers. A doorbell camera captured a masked, armed individual tampering with the device in the early hours of February 1. The FBI released footage of the suspect, described as a male between 5’9” and 5’10” with an average build, wearing an Ozark Trail backpack.
A History of Ransom Notes
Multiple ransom notes have been sent to media outlets since February 2026, with varying demands including millions in Bitcoin. According to Wikipedia, one note received in February claimed Nancy had died shortly after the kidnapping. Law enforcement believes this particular note may be legitimate.
Savannah Guthrie said during an interview with Hoda Kotb in March that she and her family believe two of the many notes sent “were real.” The family has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s recovery and has donated $500,000 to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Investigation Status
A multi-agency investigation led by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department with FBI assistance continues. No arrests have been made. Sheriff Chris Nanos previously told the BBC, “I just believe she’s somewhere here locally. I don’t know why.”
Former FBI agents have noted that sharing ransom notes through the media rather than directly with the family is “highly unusual,” adding complexity to an already challenging case.
What’s Next
The authenticity of the alleged video evidence remains unverified. TMZ has asked the sender to provide a screenshot of Nancy Guthrie in the video as proof. If the video is authentic, it could represent the first significant breakthrough in the case since the doorbell camera footage was released in February. The nearly five-month duration without resolution, however, suggests the investigation continues to face substantial challenges.