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Some ransom notes sent in Nancy Guthrie case still being investigated as legitimate, FBI says

8 articles
4 sources
0% diversity
Updated 2.7.2026
Key Topics & People
Nancy Guthrie *Savannah Guthrie Federal Bureau of Investigation Tucson kidnapping for ransom

Coverage Framing

8
Human Interest(8)
Avg Factuality:78%
Avg Sensationalism:Moderate

Story Timeline

Jul 2, 2026

2 articles|2 sources
fbi investigationransom noteskidnapping for ransomsavannah guthrieextortion demands
Human Interest(2)
Associated Press (AP)5d ago

Some ransom notes sent in Nancy Guthrie case still being investigated as legitimate, FBI says

The FBI is still investigating some ransom notes related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, as potentially legitimate, though others have been dismissed as extortion attempts. Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped on February 1st near Tucson, Arizona, with evidence including blood found at her home and surveillance footage of a masked man. The FBI stated the case remains a kidnapping for ransom investigation. The Pima County Sheriff's Department is also involved and taking all tips seriously. Several ransom notes have been received, with some demanding Bitcoin and others claiming Guthrie is dead.

MeasuredFactual3 sources
Negative
The Guardian - World News5d ago

Nancy Guthrie: FBI clarifies it is investigating some extortion demands as legitimate

The FBI is investigating some extortion demands related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, as potentially legitimate. This clarification follows a report that three messages received in the case, including ransom notes, were determined to be fake. While some communications have been dismissed as illegitimate extortion attempts, others are still under active investigation. Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Arizona home in early February, with evidence suggesting she was abducted. The FBI has released surveillance footage of a masked man on her porch the night of her disappearance and continues to treat the case as a kidnapping for ransom.

MeasuredFactual3 sources
Neutral

Key Claims

quote

Savannah Guthrie stated, 'We love our mom. And we will never stop looking for her.'

— Savannah Guthrie

factual

Some ransom notes in the Nancy Guthrie case are still being investigated as legitimate by the FBI.

— FBI

factual

The FBI has discounted some ransom notes as extortion attempts.

— FBI

factual

Nancy Guthrie, mother of 'Today' show host Savannah Guthrie, was believed to be kidnapped on Feb. 1.

— Authorities

factual

Blood was found near the front doorstep of Nancy Guthrie's home.

— Authorities

Jun 23, 2026

6 articles|4 sources
ransom notenancy guthriefbisavannah guthriedisappearance
Human Interest(6)
The Guardian - World NewsJun 23

Ransom note about Nancy Guthrie's disappearance says she died, according to reports

A ransom note related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie, reportedly states that the 84-year-old has died. Law enforcement sources cited by CNN and other news organizations indicate the note claims her kidnappers did not intend to kill her, but she died shortly after her disappearance in early February from her Tucson, Arizona home. Media outlets had previously received ransom notes tied to the case. Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie was taken against her will, with blood found near her doorstep and surveillance video showing a masked man on her porch. Search efforts have been ongoing in the surrounding desert terrain.

Mixed toneFactual3 sources
Negative
BBC News - WorldJun 23

Ransom note claims Nancy Guthrie died after abduction

Nancy Guthrie was reportedly abducted, with a ransom note claiming her death and offering an apology to her family. Authorities and her family had publicly warned about her poor health and lack of critical medication during the search. Security footage showed a masked person outside her home, and the family offered a substantial reward for information. Guthrie's family expressed hope for her return, acknowledging the possibility she might be gone. Several ransom notes were sent, with the family believing the initial ones were authentic. Guthrie stepped away from her role on the "Today" show for over two months during the investigation.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources
Negative
South China Morning PostJun 23

Ransom note says Nancy Guthrie is dead, prompting plea from daughter Samantha

Today show host Savannah Guthrie made an emotional public appeal for information regarding her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, 84. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on February 1st. The FBI had previously released video of a masked stranger outside her home and found her blood on the porch, but the case remains unsolved. Months ago, news organizations reported receiving a ransom note that indicated Nancy Guthrie was dead. Savannah Guthrie expressed her family's ongoing agony and their determination to continue searching for their mother.

Mixed toneFactual2 sources
Negative

Key Claims

factual

Savannah Guthrie made an emotional appeal to viewers for information about her missing mother.

— article

factual

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on February 1.

— article

factual

The FBI released video of a masked stranger outside Nancy Guthrie's front door.

— article

factual

Nancy Guthrie's blood was found on her porch.

— article

factual

Savannah Guthrie spoke on NBC's Today show about a note sent to the media regarding her missing mother.

— Savannah Guthrie