Alleged Ransom Note Found in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Investigation – What We Know

Whispers of a chilling message have surfaced as detectives scour the night-time disappearance of a beloved television star's elderly mother, raising fears of a calculated plot, a digital money trail, and a race against time.

The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, took a dark and dramatic turn after reports surfaced of an alleged ransom note connected to the case.

Authorities in Arizona say they are aware of the claims and are treating the information with urgency as the search intensifies.

Pima County Sheriff's officials acknowledged the growing speculation in a public statement, confirming they are actively tracking down every possible lead.

In a statement shared on X, the department said it is aware of circulating claims involving a possible ransom note tied to Nancy's disappearance, adding that every tip is being assessed and routed directly to detectives working closely with the FBI.

Digital Demands and a Cryptocurrency Trail

The unsettling development gained national attention after TMZ reported it received an alleged ransom note early Tuesday morning.

According to the outlet, the message demanded payment in Bitcoin in exchange for Nancy's release, calling for a specific sum described as being in the millions and providing a working Bitcoin address.

TMZ said it verified that the cryptocurrency address is real. The alleged note reportedly included a firm deadline and contained threatening language, warning of consequences if the demand was not met — a detail that sent fresh shockwaves through an already tense investigation.

According to TMZ, the alleged note went even further, including intimate details about Nancy and her Tucson-area home. The sender referenced an item at the residence that was allegedly damaged, suggesting direct access to the property.

During a live broadcast, TMZ staff also discussed clothing mentioned in the note, pointing out a troubling discrepancy between what was said on air and what the message claimed. The outlet said it immediately forwarded the alleged ransom demand to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

Sheriff Confirms Another Note

Separately, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed to CBS News that a ransom note was also sent to a local Arizona news station following Nancy's disappearance. The station chose not to report on it and instead handed it over to investigators.

Nanos said the note contained specific details about the home and what Nancy was wearing that night, though he stopped short of confirming its authenticity. "It's like any piece of evidence," Nanos told CBS News. "You give it to us, you give us a lead, we're going to look at every aspect of that lead." Nanos added that the investigators are reviewing the note and taking it seriously.

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday, and investigators believe she was abducted from her home in the middle of the night. Her disappearance is being treated as a crime scene, and the investigation remains ongoing.