Ransom Note Claims Nancy Guthrie Died After Midnight Abduction

Tue Jun 23 2026 05:04:53 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The 84‑year‑old mother of Tonight show host Savannah Guthrie was allegedly kidnapped in Tucson, and a second ransom note stated she had died, sparking a nationwide search.

Nancy Guthrie was taken from her bedroom on 31 January 2023, with a ransom note demanding billions in Bitcoin. Two days later a second note appeared, claiming she had died and apologising for the incident. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI continue a joint investigation, while the family pledges up to $1 million for her return. The notes’ authenticity remains disputed, but the family insists they are genuine. As the search drags on, authorities keep the release of details tight and the hope of a rescue alive.

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Ransom Note Claims Nancy Guthrie Died After Midnight Abduction

On 31 January 2023, 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie was seized overnight from her Tucson home. The crime was announced by a text‑charged ransom note demanding millions of Bitcoin for her release.

A second note, sent on 6 February, shocked the family by claiming that Guthrie had died and apologising for the death, stating it was accidental.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI are conducting a joint investigation, continuing to question the authenticity of the notes while keeping details tight to aid their inquiry.

Family members emphasise that the notes were real and advocate for a $1 million reward. The FBI has pledged an additional $100 000 for accurate leads.

In a public video, Savannah Guthrie voiced her plea for her mother’s return, and on 24 February she acknowledged the uncertainty of her survival, urging continued hope.

The search has spanned months, with sporadic evidence such as masked individuals captured on security footage outside the home, and the case remains a focal point for national media coverage.