Arizona cops probing Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance say they are investigating a “new, possible ransom note” – as authorities desperately try to find an elusive breakthrough in the case, almost eight months on from her disappearance.
Pima County Sheriffs didn’t reveal when the possible note was sent, who it was addressed to, or its contents, but alluded to social media chatter.
“The PCSD [Pima County Sheriff’s Department]/FBI Guthrie Task Force was recently made aware of a new possible ransom note related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation,” police wrote on X Monday.
“Investigators are also aware of social media comments regarding the note and are looking further into the information to determine its credibility.”
The FBI has not made any comment on the development, nor has Guthrie’s TV star daughter, Savannah Guthrie.
Two ransom notes were sent to the local Arizona news station, KOLD-13, within a week of Guthrie, 84, being snatched from her Catalina Foothills, Az, home.
Authorities have long believed Guthrie was likely abducted from her bed.
The first note, received Feb. 2, claimed Guthrie would be “released unharmed” if a payment of $4 million in bitcoin was paid before 5 p.m. on Feb. 5.
“If payment is not received, the ransom will be increased to 6 million USD which will need to be paid by 5PM on Monday the 9th,” her kidnappers said.
“Once payment is received to the bitcoin address below she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop off location back in Tucson. If payment is not recieved [sic] by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed.
“Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands,” the note said, warning the Guthrie family “not to play games.”
The second note, sent on Feb. 6, struck a more apologetic tone but hinted that Guthrie may be dead.
“We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition,” the note said, seemingly alluding to Guthrie’s frailty.
“We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken.
“We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry.”
The sender or senders of the two notes have not been revealed, but forensic psychologist, Gary Brucato, suggested in August that they were penned by two different people.
He suspected someone intelligent wrote the message demanding payment, while someone who was more emotional penned the second note.
Brucato suggested someone who might’ve known Guthrie’s TV star daughter, Savannah Guthrie, could’ve been the message’s author.
Despite the publication of the notes, which happened at the six month stage of the investigation, no arrests have been made.
Chris Nanos, the Pima County Sheriff, said he hoped the release of the notes would’ve triggered a community response.
The Guthrie family are offering a $1 million reward for information that leads to the matriarch being recovered.
That reward remains active and the FBI is offering a $100,000 reward.
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