Nearly five months after Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie, vanished from her Arizona home, new details have emerged. US media reports that a second ransom note, sent days after her disappearance, disclosed she died shortly after the kidnapping, and that the abductors did not intend for this to happen.
Second Ransom Note Details
CNN, citing multiple law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation, reported that the second note indicated Nancy Guthrie's death. Both the first and second notes were received by CNN and a Tucson television station's local news department. Both outlets agreed to a request from the Guthrie family and law enforcement to withhold reporting on the content to allow authentication of future communications.
Contrary to some reports, NBC claims there was no apology or request for payment for Nancy's body in the second note. However, Airmail reported a 'sputtering and laboured apology' and suggested a possibility her body could be delivered for a sum of money.
Timeline of the Kidnapping
Nancy Guthrie is believed to have been taken from her home in the wealthy Catalina Foothills area outside Tucson, Arizona. Doorbell footage released by the FBI from the early hours of February 1 showed a masked individual carrying a backpack approaching her porch. At 1:47 am, the camera was disconnected. The next morning, Nancy failed to appear at a friend's house for church. Her family was alerted, and she was reported missing. She was last seen by a family member the evening before, after having dinner; they dropped her off at her home around 9:45 pm.
Motive and Investigation
Aside from the initial ransom note demanding millions in bitcoin, the motive remains unclear. In March, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said authorities believed they knew the motive, stating in an NBC News interview: 'We believe that it was targeted, but we're not 100% sure of that.' Savannah Guthrie, in an emotional chat with Today's Hoda Kotb, recalled asking her brother: 'Do you think it's because of me?' He replied: 'Well, I'm sorry sweetie, but yeah, maybe.'
The first ransom note, according to CBS, included very specific details about Nancy's home, including that her back porch light was broken and an Apple Watch with a white strap was on the floor of her bedroom. Authorities believe both notes were likely sent by the same group or person and from the same computer IP address.
No Arrests Made
No arrests have been made. In February, a man was taken into custody and detained before being released, claiming he wasn't asked any questions. Another man, Luke Daley, told True Crime Arizona host Briana Whitney he had 'nothing to do with this case.' His attorney confirmed to People that Daley and his mother were detained for four hours while search warrants were executed on their property and released with no charges.
What Happens Next
The Pima County Sheriff's Department told Metro: 'The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie remains active and ongoing. The Pima County Sheriff's Department continues to work closely with the FBI as investigators follow up on leads, review information, and pursue the facts surrounding this case.' It directed inquiries concerning the ransom notes to the FBI.
