In a major development that has sent shockwaves through the ongoing search for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the FBI has determined that all three kidnapping-related notes sent to media outlets are fake.
The bombshell revelation, reported exclusively by Reuters on June 30, 2026, comes more than five months after the frail mother of NBC Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie vanished from her home in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills. Nancy Guthrie, last seen on January 31, 2026, after spending an evening with her daughter Annie and son-in-law, has not been found despite an intensive FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department investigation.
DNA evidence confirmed blood found on her front porch belonged to her, and surveillance footage captured an armed man in a ski mask tampering with her doorbell camera shortly before she disappeared.
The Fake Notes That Fueled False Hope
Two ransom notes surfaced in early February, demanding millions in cryptocurrency with deadlines of February 5 and 9. A second note, sent from the same source, chillingly claimed Nancy had died and made no demand for payment. A third note, received last week and sent to outlets including TMZ, claimed knowledge of the abductors’ identities and even included alleged video of the “main guy” and the victim. All three messages were delivered to media organizations before being handed over to authorities.
The FBI tested the first note by depositing a small amount of cryptocurrency — it went unclaimed. Now, federal investigators have concluded none of the notes are genuine.“None of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine,” an FBI official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.
A second law enforcement source confirmed the assessment. This stunning twist raises painful new questions: Was Nancy Guthrie abducted at all? Or was she the victim of something even more tragic?
A Family’s Heartbreaking Plea
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have been vocal in their anguish, posting emotional video appeals and offering to pay any ransom. In one message, Savannah said the family was still “blowing on the embers of hope” that their mother was alive, while acknowledging the possibility “she may already be gone.” She has described the family as living in “agony.” A $1 million reward remains on offer from the family for information leading to Nancy’s safe return or the arrest of those responsible.
Investigation Continues — No Stone Left Unturned
Despite the fake notes, authorities say the probe is very much active. Forensic teams continue analyzing DNA from a glove found near the home (which did not match any national database) and video evidence from the doorbell camera showing the suspicious prowler.
Pima County Sheriff’s Department has confirmed the case remains open with no arrests made. What Happens Now? This latest revelation is a cruel blow to a family already enduring unimaginable pain. It strips away one possible lead while leaving the central mystery unresolved: Where is Nancy Guthrie?Anyone with information is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI.
Tips can be submitted anonymously.Nancy’s loved ones — especially her daughter Savannah, who has balanced her high-profile job with private heartbreak — continue to hold out hope while pleading for the public’s help.The search for answers continues.
The pain of not knowing endures. Do you have any information that could help bring Nancy home? Share tips with authorities immediately.