
(Photo by: Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images)
Roommates, new details surrounding Nancy Guthries disappearance are coming to light, and the latest development has people talking. As investigators continue searching for answers, a newly revealed message allegedly sent to her family is shedding more insight into the frightening moments following her reported disappearance.
Nancy Guthrie has been missing since Jan. 31 after authorities say she was taken from her Tucson, Arizona home in the early morning hours. Investigators believe a masked individual seen in surveillance footage may have been involved, with the person appearing to tamper with her doorbell camera before she vanished.
According to crime journalist Briana Whitney, who discussed the case on the ‘Crime Junkie’ podcast with Ashley Flowers, the first ransom note allegedly sent to the Guthrie family was addressed directly to Savannah Guthrie. Whitney said the message began by telling Savannah, We have your mother, Nancy, and claimed that Nancy was safe but scared while being held for ransom.
Hello Savannah. We have your mother Nancy. She is safe but scared. She will be held for ransom and once payment is received she will be released unharmed. We will be holding her for a maximum of 7 days, the note said.
The alleged note reportedly stated that Nancy would be held for a maximum of seven days and demanded payment in U.S. currency through bitcoin. According to Whitney, the sender requested $4 million in bitcoin by Thursday, Feb. 5, and warned that the amount would increase to $6 million by Monday, Feb. 9 if the first deadline was missed.
Whitney said the message also included a warning that Nancys life depended on the payment being made. The note allegedly stated, Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. Moreover, it instructed the family not to contact law enforcement, negotiate, or play games. The sender reportedly claimed that Nancy would be released within 12 hours after payment was received at a safe drop-off location in Tucson.
Once payment is received to the Bitcoin address below, she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop off location back in Tucson, the note claimed. If the payment is not received by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5:00 p.m., she will be killed. Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. 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.
The alleged note also included details about Nancys home. Whitney added that the sender mentioned a white smartwatch near the foot of her bed. Additionally, it reportedly also mentioned a backyard floodlight that had been destroyed. However, Whitney noted that the FBI is still investigating whether the ransom note is legitimate. Authorities have not released additional information about the investigation. The Pima County Sheriffs Department, which is leading the case, said it had no further updates at this time.
The report comes after a second ransom note was sent to the Guthrie family and media outlets. The details of such letter claimed that Nancy had died. Savannah Guthrie previously made an emotional plea for information, urging anyone who knows something about her mothers disappearance to come forward. The search for answers continues as her family awaits more information.