Arizona investigators ‘aware of reports’ about possible ransom notes in Nancy Guthrie case

PHOENIX — Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided an update on the investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie on Tuesday.

However, perhaps the biggest development of the day was revealed after the press conference, when TMZ announced that it received an unverified ransom note regarding the mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie and contacted law enforcement about it.

Additionally, a reporter for Tucson’s KOLD reported that her TV station received a ransom note and alerted authorities.

After the TMZ report, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department acknowledged it was aware of reports about ransom notes without mentioning TMZ or any other sources.

“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie. We are taking all tips and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI,” the department said in a follow-up email sent to the media after Nanos’ livestreamed press conference.

Nanos fielded questions from reporters but didn’t divulge many details three days after Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills area.

“We do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will, and that’s where we’re at,” he said.

The sheriff added he hopes Nancy Guthrie is still alive, adding that investigators are currently waiting on a full crime scene analysis.

“Like any crime scene, we process this crime scene. We gather all the evidence …. fingerprints, DNA, camera images, everything you can imagine, and we gathered that,” Nanos said. “Those things have been submitted forward to labs, to technological companies, to help us and that’s — we’re like you. We’re waiting for those returns to come back.”

Nanos said that if there isn’t breaking news first, his next press conference about the case will be on Thursday.

The Guthrie home was turned back over to the family on Tuesday. The department added there is no credible evidence of the disappearance being a targeted incident.

Investigators ask for tips in case of missing woman Nancy Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home near Skyline Drive and Campbell Avenue on Saturday night. Members of her church contacted authorities when she didn’t appear for service on Sunday morning.

The home in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills area showed signs of forced entry, a person familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

The FBI is assisting the Pima County Sheriff’s Department by downloading and analyzing cell phone data, obtaining cell tower information, conducting interviews and more, according to Jon Edwards, the assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s office in Tucson.

“We’re looking at this from every angle, but we need your help,” Edwards said at the news conference. “Every lead and tip is important. We are aggressively pursuing and looking into every single one. Again, please help us bring Nancy Guthrie home.”

Jon Edwards, assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Tucson office, urged the public to share tips that can help them find Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman who investigators believe was taken against her will. She is the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. pic.twitter.com/xJeucNdDKM

— KTAR News 92.3 (@KTAR923) February 3, 2026

Anyone with information about the case is asked to call authorities at 520-351-4900, 520-88-CRIME (2-7463) or 911. Tips to 88-CRIME that lead to an arrest could be eligible for a reward of up to $2,500.