Alleged ransom note surfaces in case of Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother

TMZ says it has received an alleged ransom note connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie.

According to the outlet, the message demands millions of dollars in Bitcoin in exchange for her release.

TMZ reports the note was sent on Tuesday, Feb. 3, and includes a deadline as well as a specific Bitcoin address. The outlet claims it verified that the cryptocurrency address is legitimate and forwarded the alleged ransom demand to the Pima County Sheriff’s Office in Arizona.

Neither TMZ nor law enforcement has confirmed whether the note is authentic or a hoax.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Office acknowledged the circulating reports in a statement posted on X, saying authorities are taking the situation seriously.

“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” the statement read. “We are taking all tips and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”

Representatives for Savannah Guthrie declined to comment.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of Jan. 31 at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Arizona. Due to her age, authorities initially classified her as a “missing vulnerable adult.”

On Feb. 2, the sheriff’s office announced that the case was being treated as a possible crime after investigators found what they described as “very concerning” evidence inside the home.

Sheriff Chris Nanos told CBS News that investigators believe Nancy was abducted. “She didn’t walk from there,” he said. “She didn’t go willingly.” Nanos also stated that Nancy showed no signs of cognitive impairment and was considered alert and of sound mind.

Before TMZ reported on the alleged ransom note, Nanos addressed reporters during a Feb. 3 briefing, explaining that evidence found at the residence led authorities to reclassify the case. “We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us,” he said.

“We believe now, after we process that crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime scene. And we’re asking for the community’s help.”

As the investigation continues, Savannah Guthrie has asked the public to pray for her mother. In an Instagram post, she urged followers to “raise your prayers” and expressed faith in the power of collective hope and compassion during the ongoing search.