Nancy Guthrie Disappearance: $6 Million Bitcoin Ransom Demand in Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Abduction Case
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC News “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, has gripped national attention since she vanished from her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson, Arizona. What began as a routine missing person report has evolved into a high-profile investigation treated as a possible kidnapping or abduction, with reports of ransom demands and emotional public pleas from her family.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, 2026. According to authorities, she spent the evening dining and visiting with family at her daughter Annie’s home, arriving around 5:32 p.m. and being dropped off back at her residence shortly before 10 p.m., around 9:48 p.m. She failed to appear at church the following morning, February 1, prompting family members to check on her. When they did, they discovered signs of concern at the scene, leading them to report her missing that afternoon. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department quickly classified the case as a crime, describing the home as a crime scene with indications that Guthrie had been taken against her will. Investigators noted she requires medication and has limited mobility, raising urgent concerns for her health and safety.
The investigation involves local authorities, the FBI, and extensive searches. No suspects have been publicly named, and the motive remains unclear. Early reports highlighted evidence at the home consistent with an abduction, including a “concerning” scene that shifted the case from a missing person inquiry to a criminal one. Sheriff Chris Nanos has expressed belief that Guthrie remains alive, stating the team is operating under that assumption while pursuing all leads.
The case escalated with the emergence of ransom-related communications. Multiple notes, purportedly from those responsible, have been reported, some sent to media outlets including local station KGUN. Details from credible reports indicate a demand for $6 million, to be paid in Bitcoin, with threats to Guthrie’s life if deadlines are not met. One reported deadline was set for 5 p.m. on Monday, February 9, following an earlier one that passed without resolution. Authorities, including the FBI’s Phoenix division, are actively investigating the legitimacy of these notes, noting some contain publicly available details while others reference specifics not widely disclosed. An arrest has been made in connection with at least one imposter or fake ransom-related message, underscoring the challenges of verifying authenticity amid public attention.
In response, the Guthrie family has made direct, heartfelt appeals through social media videos. Savannah Guthrie, joined by siblings Annie and Camron, has addressed those holding their mother, emphasizing readiness to communicate and cooperate. In a recent video, Savannah stated, “We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.” The family has repeatedly asked for proof of life and a means to negotiate, underscoring their desperation and willingness to meet demands for her safe return.
Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from her professional duties, including planned coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, to focus on the search. The family continues to urge anyone with information to contact the FBI or local authorities. As the investigation enters its second week, hope persists among law enforcement and loved ones that Nancy Guthrie will be found unharmed and reunited with her family soon. The community and national audience remain riveted, awaiting developments in this deeply personal and troubling case.
