Tucson, Arizona — The full text of the first ransom note allegedly sent by the kidnapper of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has been publicly revealed for the first time, nearly six months after her disappearance.

Journalist Briana Whitney read the message on Wednesday’s episode of the “Crime Junkie” podcast. The note opened with a direct address to Nancy’s daughter, “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie:

“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 demanded $4 million in Bitcoin by 5 p.m. on February 5, escalating to $6 million if the first deadline was missed, with a final cutoff of 5 p.m. on February 9. It warned that if payment was not received by the last deadline, Nancy would be killed, stating her life was “in your hands,” that there would be “no negotiation,” and that law enforcement could not help.

Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home on January 31, 2026. A masked figure was captured on her doorbell camera, and blood was reportedly found on the porch. A second note later claimed she had died shortly after the abduction. The FBI continues to investigate the legitimacy of the notes as part of the ongoing search. The family has offered substantial rewards for information.

Sources:

• Crime Junkie podcast