Nancy Guthrie Died ‘Shortly After She Was Taken’ – Pima County Sheriff’s Department Releases Ransom Notes

Two ransom notes that were sent to 13 News in February were released by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department on Friday.

84-year-old Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Pima County, Arizona, home on February 1.

Police still have not identified a suspect.

The FBI previously released photos and video of a masked subject in the Guthrie abduction case.

On Friday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released two ransom notes dated February 2 and February 6.

Nancy Guthrie Investigation Update: Video & Ransom Note Details 1/3 pic.twitter.com/O0HDb8asMX

— Pima County Sheriff’s Department (@PimaSheriff) July 31, 2026

Note 1:

Note 1 is below. 2/3 pic.twitter.com/2Zyoz5agwG

— Pima County Sheriff’s Department (@PimaSheriff) July 31, 2026

Note 2:

Note 2 is below. 3/3 pic.twitter.com/T7hAro0ebR

— Pima County Sheriff’s Department (@PimaSheriff) July 31, 2026

The first ransom note was addressed to Nancy Guthrie’s daughter, 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. You will need to send bitcoin in the amount of $4 million USD before 5PM on Thursday the 5th. If payment is not received, the ransom will be increased to 6 million USD which will need to be paid by 5PM on Monday the 9th.”

“Once payment is received to the bitcoin address below she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop off location back in Tucson. If payment is not recieved [sic] by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed.”

“Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible. You will not be able to contact me from here on out, there will be no negotiation. Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you.”

“She had a white smart watch on the floor of the foot of her bed and the white flood light in backyard was destroyed.”

A second ransom note sent a few days later claimed that Nancy had died and had been buried.

“Guthrie Family,We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. 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,” the note read.