Authorities have publicly released the complete text of the two primary ransom notes linked to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, giving the public its first full look at messages that previously circulated only in partial descriptions.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department posted the notes on Friday, nearly six months after the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie was taken from her Tucson home. Officials said they hope distinctive patterns of wording, syntax and phraseology will help someone who knows the writer recognize the language and come forward.

The First Note: $4 Million Demand and a Deadline
The initial message, sent the day after Nancy vanished, was addressed directly to Savannah Guthrie. It claimed her mother was “safe but scared” and demanded $4 million in Bitcoin by 5 p.m. on February 5. If that deadline was missed, the amount would rise to $6 million, due by 5 p.m. on February 9.

“If payment is not received by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed,” the note stated. “Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. … There will be no negotiation. Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you.”

The writer also included specific details about the crime scene that had not been widely publicized at the time: a white smartwatch on the floor at the foot of the bed and a destroyed white floodlight in the backyard.

The Second Note: A Claim of Death
A shorter follow-up message sent on February 6 was addressed to the Guthrie family. It abandoned the ransom demand and claimed Nancy had died shortly after being taken.

“We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition,” the note read. “We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. 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.”

Why the Notes Were Made Public
Investigators say the linguistic style of the messages is distinctive enough that a friend, relative, coworker or acquaintance of the author may recognize it. They are asking the public to consider whether anyone they know showed unusual behavior around the time of the disappearance — changes in mood or appearance, unexplained injuries, sudden travel, vehicle repairs, or an odd interest or lack of interest in the case or the neighborhood.

Blood found on the exterior porch matched Nancy’s DNA. A mixed DNA sample recovered from the home continues to be analyzed with FBI assistance. A hair sample tested earlier returned inconclusive results and did not identify a suspect. Doorbell camera footage of a masked, armed individual on the front porch remains the primary visual evidence released so far.

Family Plea and Reward
Savannah Guthrie has continued to issue public appeals. In a recent video she described the family’s situation as a nightmare that will not end and begged whoever is responsible to “do the right thing” and tell them where to look for her mother.

A $100,000 FBI reward and a separate $1 million family reward remain available for information that leads to Nancy’s recovery or an arrest.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026, after being dropped off at her Catalina Foothills home. She was reported missing the next morning. Her whereabouts are still unknown.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Main Sources: People magazine and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department release of the notes.