A chilling new development has surfaced in the search for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy Guthrie.

Authorities now confirm they are aware of a possible ransom note connected to the case — and they are treating it with extreme seriousness. No dismissal. No minimization. Just a careful acknowledgment that immediately raised alarms.

A purported ransom note for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mom was sent to media outlet TMZ Tuesday — with the supposed kidnappers demanding millions of dollars in Bitcoin for her safe return.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it was aware of “possible random note(s) circulating” — but did not confirm the legitimacy of the demand.


The note to TMZ provided a deadline for the ransom payment, and implied something would befall the “Today” show host’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy, if the towering sum wasn’t paid.

Savannah and Nancy Guthrie
Savannah Guthrie’s mom was taken, according to police, sometime on Saturday night.
It comes just hours after Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos refused to confirm or deny whether any ransom demand had been received in the case – while police again wouldn’t confirm whether the TMZ note was real or sent by a hoaxer.

“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation,” Nanos said in a statement. “We are taking all tips and leads very seriously.”

Nancy was taken from her Tucson home after being dropped off by Savannah’s sister around 9:30 p.m. Saturday. She was then reported missing Sunday morning after she failed to show up for church.

The ransom note supposedly included details about the crime scene left behind at Nancy’s home, according to TMZ, and also included a working Bitcoin address for funds to be sent to.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it was aware of “possible random note(s) circulating” in regard to Nancy’s disappearance. AP

Sheriff Nanos speaking at a press conference with another man and two flags beside him.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos speaks during a news conference Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, providing an update on the investigation into Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy. Pima County Sheriff
Nancy is believed to have been abducted from her home, police previously revealed, while Sheriff Nanos remained evasive when pressed on ransoms or motivations.

“We have all kinds of investigative leads we’re working on,” was all he would tell reporters during a Tuesday press conference.

It remains unclear exactly what police found at Nancy’s home which led them to rule the vanishing a suspected crime, but sources previously told The Post that blood and signs of forced entry were found.

Nancy’s electronic devices – items she would normally leave the house with – were also found left behind, sources said.

And those devices stopped communicating with her pacemaker around 2 a.m., suggesting she would have been taken from the home around that time.

The hunt for Nancy has grown more dire by the hour, as she was reportedly taken without medication that she needs every 24 hours – and could die without.

Cops also said, “We are taking all tips and leads very seriously” — adding that all details are being passed to the detectives on the case and the FBI.

This is a breaking story. Please check back for updates.