Authorities released the full text of two ransom notes Friday in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, hoping someone will recognize the kidnapper’s distinctive writing style nearly six months after the 84-year-old grandmother vanished from her Arizona home.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office said the newly released notes contain “distinctive patterns of word choice, syntax, and phraseology” that could crack the case wide open.
“She will be held for ransom and once payment is received she will be released unharmed. If payment is not received by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5 p.m., she will be killed.”
The first note, sent to KOLD on February 2 and addressed to NBC “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, described details inside Nancy Guthrie’s home — including a damaged flood light and a white Apple Watch near her bed. It demanded $4 million, then $6 million, for the elderly woman’s safe return by a February 9 deadline.
The full note also included threats investigators had not previously made public.
“Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands,” the kidnapper wrote. “It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible. You will not be able to contact me from here on out, there will be no negotiation. Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you.”
Nancy Guthrie Investigation Update: Video & Ransom Note Details 1/3 pic.twitter.com/O0HDb8asMX
— Pima County Sheriff’s Department (@PimaSheriff) July 31, 2026
A second note, sent on February 6 and addressed to the “Guthrie Family,” claimed Nancy Guthrie had perished shortly after being abducted.
“We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention,” the note said. “She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related.”
The note continued: “She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry.”
Savannah Guthrie said during a March interview with Hoda Kotb that she believed the two ransom notes were authentic. While several other letters have surfaced during the investigation, the family has publicly acknowledged only the two released Friday by the sheriff’s office.
Investigators said they are releasing the full notes because they believe someone who has interacted with the author may recognize the writing style.
“These communications reveal distinctive patterns of word choice, syntax, and phraseology that reflect the writer’s unique linguistic style,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release.
As the six-month anniversary of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance approaches, investigators are also asking the public to revisit the FBI images showing a masked man outside her home before she vanished. Authorities believe the individual may have surveilled the property on more than one day before abducting Guthrie during the early morning hours of February 1.
Investigators urged anyone who noticed unusual changes in someone’s behavior around that time — including sudden travel, unexplained injuries, vehicle cleaning or repairs, or an unusual interest in the investigation — to contact law enforcement.
Earlier this week, Savannah Guthrie shared an emotional Instagram video describing the family’s ordeal as “a nightmare that will not end” and begged for her mom’s abductor to “do the right thing now.”
“Help us bring this situation to an end,” Savannah said. “For all of us, no matter where we’ve been or what we’ve done, I believe there is always a way home. Please make the right choice.”
The FBI continues to offer a reward of more than $1 million for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery. Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
