The FBI has reportedly determined that all three ransom notes connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie were fake, marking a significant development in the ongoing investigation.
According to Reuters, an FBI official said none of the messages sent in connection with the case are believed to be authentic. The reported fake communications include two ransom notes received shortly after Nancy’s disappearance in February, as well as a third message that recently claimed to reveal the identities of her alleged kidnappers.
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was abducted from her home in Tucson, Arizona, during the early hours of Feb. 1. Authorities have yet to identify any official suspects.
The FBI reportedly determined that the first two ransom notes came from the same sender. One demanded millions of dollars in cryptocurrency, while the second claimed Nancy had died shortly after her abduction.
Investigators also tested the credibility of the ransom demand by depositing a small amount of cryptocurrency into the provided account. According to Reuters, the funds were never accessed, leading authorities to conclude the account was fraudulent.
The FBI has not publicly explained how investigators determined that the third note—claiming to identify Nancy’s kidnappers—was also fabricated.
When contacted for comment, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation remains active and ongoing, adding that the FBI is handling matters related to the ransom notes.
Savannah Guthrie previously addressed the case on Today, urging anyone with information to come forward. In a separate interview with Hoda Kotb in March, she said her understanding at the time was that most of the notes were likely fake, though she initially believed the two notes her family had responded to could have been genuine.
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains ongoing.
