Authorities released an early ransom note in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in hopes that someone will recognize the writing style. A second note released Friday indicated Guthrie died.
Both notes initially went to a Tucson television station days after the 84-year-old went missing from her home outside Tucson on Feb. 1. Authorities have not said whether Guthrie is still alive.
The sheriff’s department said “we believe these distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognizable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes’ writer.”
In the first note, which is addressed to Savannah and sent on Feb. 2, they claim to have her mother and describe her as “safe by scared.” The note promises she would be released “unharmed” if they received payment within seven days. It requests $4 million in Bitcoin by Feb. 5 or $6 million in Bitcoin by Feb. 9, threatening to kill Nancy if the money isn’t sent.
“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,” the note reads.
The second note, addressed to the Guthrie family, strikes a very different tone. It states they “did not fully grasp the seriousness of her condition,” and they did not intend to hurt her, but adds that Nancy had died.
“She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related,” the note reads, along that Guthrie was “buried in nature.”
The note ends by wishing the family “find peace,” and those responsible saying they are “truly sorry.”
Both notes appear to have been sent to a local news affiliate in Tucson.
The sheriff’s department said the notes reveal a distinctive pattern of word choices and provide insight into the writer’s mindset. The agency said someone who knows the notes’ writer may recognize the patterns.
In a statement, the sheriff’s department also went further to appeal to people who may know something about the case, saying it may be difficult to come forward due to a personal relationship with someone involved or just for their own safety.
Read the notes below, which were shared partially redacted on social media by the Pima County Sherriff’s Department.
Note 1:
Note 2:
In a statement, the sheriff’s department also went further to appeal to people who may know something about the case, saying it may be difficult to come forward due to a personal relationship with someone involved or just for their own safety.
“We recognize relationships and loyalties change over time as do people and their perspectives,” the sheriff’s department wrote. “It is not too late to come forward.”
The sheriff’s office also said Friday that two videos recovered from Guthrie’s doorbell camera might be from two separate days and indicate an unidentified male prepared ahead of when Guthrie was taken. Authorities are seeking information on anyone who was behaving differently, changed their physical appearance, suddenly left the Tucson area, or had a noticeable or unexplained interest or disinterest in the case.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
