The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI task force announced on Tuesday that a newly reported ransom text message tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84, was not credible after further review. The message emerged nearly eight months after Guthrie vanished from her Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1.
Authorities initially examined the communication alongside related social media posts before determining it was unrelated to the case. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department stated in a post on X that investigators had reviewed the message and found no connection to Guthrie’s disappearance. Officials also warned the public to remain cautious, noting that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation.
Guthrie, the mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on January 31 before her family reported her missing. The case has drawn national attention, with authorities releasing two prior ransom notes in July, both of which were later scrutinized for authenticity.
Initial Response and Credibility Assessment
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) and FBI Guthrie Task Force first acknowledged the potential ransom note on September 29, stating they were examining the message and related online discussions. A follow-up statement confirmed that after further review, investigators determined the text was not credible.
The department urged anyone receiving communications related to Guthrie’s case to report them to law enforcement, emphasizing that unsolicited messages should not be responded to with money or personal information. Authorities also noted that previous ransom notes had been deemed extortion attempts, including one from a California man who pleaded guilty in July for sending a fake ransom demand.
Background: Prior Ransom Notes and Investigative Challenges
Two ransom notes were released by police in July, months after Guthrie’s disappearance:
- The first note, sent on February 2, claimed Guthrie was safe but demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency for her release.
- The second note, sent on February 6, falsely claimed Guthrie had died shortly after her abduction.
Investigators have not confirmed Guthrie’s current status, and no arrests have been made in the case. The FBI and PCSD have continued to review tips and surveillance footage, including doorbell camera recordings that captured a masked individual near Guthrie’s home.
Public and Official Reactions
Former FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer publicly analyzed the latest ransom note, concluding it was not legitimate based on its content and the exchange with the recipient. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department reiterated that the investigation remains active and ongoing, with no new credible leads at this time.
Ongoing Uncertainties
Despite the discrediting of the latest ransom message, key questions persist:
- Is Nancy Guthrie alive? Authorities have not provided an update on her status.
- Who was responsible for her disappearance? Investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest.
- What was the motive behind the abduction? The case remains under active investigation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to urge the public to report any information, emphasizing that hoax communications are a recurring challenge in high-profile missing persons cases.