Months after Nancy Guthrie went missing, the FBI has confirmed that the ransom notes sent to TMZ were fake. American broadcaster and journalist Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother was taken on February 1, and her whereabouts remain unknown, with her family pleading for information.
Three Ransom Notes Sent to TMZ
Three notes were sent to a US outlet, demanding millions in cryptocurrency, claiming to know the kidnappers' identities and, most horrifically, alleging to have footage of 'the day she died'. While initially the notes were treated as real, a senior FBI official confirmed to Reuters that 'none of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine.' New developments have reportedly led investigators to question whether Nancy was taken for ransom at all.
Savannah Guthrie's Emotional Plea
When returning to the Today show, Savannah, 54, broke down in tears and had previously agreed to pay the ransom for the return of her mother. The first alleged ransom note demanded $4 million in Bitcoin to be sent within a few days, before the price would rise to $6 million (£3 million to £4.5 million, respectively). The latest ransom note from Nancy's kidnappers offered an 'apology' for her death and claimed her body could be delivered for $4 million, but that note has also so far not been authenticated.
FBI Investigation and DNA Evidence
FBI agents tested the notes' authenticity by depositing a small amount of cryptocurrency in the account listed. The money was never claimed. DNA testing concluded that the blood found on her front porch was a match for Nancy. She has been described as frail with limited mobility. Footage emerged of a seemingly armed masked person at her door, tampering with her video doorbell, before the feed cut out.
Search Efforts and Public Appeal
Volunteer search and rescue group United Cajun Navy have now submitted a 41-page proposal to the police to aid in a manhunt. The group previously offered their services to the Pima County Sheriff's Department when Nancy vanished, but investigators chose not to use external support. While discussing the heartbreaking story live on air, Savannah begged viewers to help, with authorities also asking the public for any information. 'I wanted to just take the opportunity to ask people, really to beg people, to come forward. Somebody knows something,' she said.
