Pima Sheriff Says Possible Ransom Note In Nancy Guthrie Case
Officials said they are 'aware' of unverified ransom notes after Nancy Guthrie, 84, disappeared from her Catalina Foothills home Jan. 31, 2026.
CBS NewsSheriff says ransom note being investigated in disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah Guthrie's mother
Western JournalBreaking: Apparent Ransom Note Emerges in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance
Daily BeastCops Probe Possible Ransom Note in Nancy Guthrie’s Abduction
FOX NewsAuthorities 'aware' of reports of possible ransom note in Nancy Guthrie disappearance
Overview
On Feb. 2, 2026, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said the department is "aware" of reports of a possible ransom note in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and that detectives are coordinating with the FBI.
Pima County records show Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen about 9:30 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2026, and was reported missing about noon on Feb. 1, 2026; investigators say they believe she was taken from her Catalina Foothills home.
Jon Edwards, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI's Tucson field office, said the FBI is providing analytical and technical support and urged anyone who saw activity between 1 a.m. and 4 a.m. on Feb. 1, 2026, to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Search efforts have involved Pima County deputies, the FBI, U.S. Border Patrol and search-and-rescue teams using drones and helicopters, and authorities have offered a reward of up to $2,500 for information, officials confirmed.
Sheriff Chris Nanos warned that Nancy Guthrie needs medication that could be fatal after 24 hours, and investigators said they have submitted DNA and other samples to labs and are following hundreds of leads, officials confirmed.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the coverage toward a criminal-abduction narrative by foregrounding law-enforcement statements, labeling the house a “crime scene,” and highlighting reported blood, a missing camera, and the victim’s mobility/medication needs—creating urgency and vulnerability. Editorial choices prioritize official sources (sheriff, FBI) and dramatic details while offering few alternative perspectives.
FAQ
Nancy Guthrie is an 84-year-old woman who disappeared from her Catalina Foothills home; she is the mother of 'Today' show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
TMZ received an alleged ransom note on Tuesday morning demanding millions in Bitcoin to a verified address, with a deadline, implied threat, and reference to a damaged item at Guthrie’s home; it was forwarded to Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Nancy Guthrie needs daily medication that could be fatal after 24 hours without it; she has limited mobility but is of sound mind.
Investigators believe she was taken from her home, with signs of forced entry, blood evidence, and her wallet and personal items left behind; she did not leave voluntarily.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department, FBI, U.S. Border Patrol, and search teams are involved using drones, helicopters, and dogs; a $2,500 reward is offered, DNA samples submitted, hundreds of leads followed, and public urged to check footage from late Jan 31 to early Feb 1.
