Some Nancy Guthrie Ransom Notes May be Legitimate, FBI Says
3 minute readPublished: Thursday, July 2, 2026 at 6:25 am
FBI Re-evaluates Ransom Notes in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has announced a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, stating that some ransom notes associated with the case may indeed be legitimate. This revised assessment comes after initial reports suggested that all such communications were fraudulent.
The FBI's Phoenix branch clarified the situation in a statement released on X, formerly Twitter. While acknowledging that some notes have been definitively identified as illegitimate extortion attempts, the bureau emphasized that other demands are still actively under investigation and are being treated as potentially genuine. The case remains classified as a kidnapping for ransom.
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, has remained unsolved for five months. She was reported missing on February 1st. Authorities have previously stated their belief that she was kidnapped, citing the discovery of blood drops on her front porch as evidence.
Further complicating the investigation, the FBI had previously released surveillance footage depicting a masked individual outside Guthrie's residence on the night of her disappearance. Despite extensive search efforts involving federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, alongside numerous volunteers, there has been no sign of Nancy Guthrie. No arrests have been made, and no suspects have been publicly identified. The investigation is ongoing.
BNN's Perspective:
The FBI's updated stance on the ransom notes introduces a crucial element of uncertainty into an already deeply concerning case. While the initial dismissal of the notes as hoaxes may have offered a semblance of clarity, the current re-evaluation suggests that the perpetrators may still be actively communicating, albeit through potentially deceptive means. This shift underscores the complexity of the investigation and the persistent challenges faced by law enforcement in locating Nancy Guthrie and bringing those responsible to justice. The focus now returns to the possibility of a genuine ransom demand, which could offer new avenues for investigation and potentially bring closure to the Guthrie family.
Tags: Nancy Guthrie, FBI, ransom notes, kidnapping, disappearance, Savannah Guthrie, investigation, legitimate, extortion, masked individual, surveillance footage, Phoenix branch