FBI concludes ransom notes tied to Nancy Guthrie's case were fake: Source
WASHINGTON, DC: The investigation into the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother has taken a significant turn after federal investigators determined that all three ransom-related messages linked to the case are believed to be fake.
The finding raises new questions about what happened to Nancy Guthrie, who vanished earlier this year, even as authorities stress that the investigation remains active.
The update emerged on Tuesday, June 30, after an FBI official told Reuters that none of the messages claiming to come from kidnappers is considered authentic. A second law enforcement source familiar with the case also confirmed the FBI's assessment.
FBI says ransom notes tied to Nancy Guthrie are not genuine
According to the FBI, investigators have concluded that all three communications connected to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance are inauthentic.
The assessment covers the two ransom notes that surfaced in early February, shortly after the 84-year-old disappeared, as well as a third, more recent message from someone claiming to know who the kidnappers were.
"None of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine," an FBI official told Reuters while speaking on condition of anonymity because the investigation is still ongoing.
Another law enforcement source familiar with the investigation also confirmed that federal authorities do not believe the notes are authentic.
The development marks a major shift in the case because two of the messages had previously been widely reported as possible communications from kidnappers.
With investigators now dismissing all three notes, fresh questions have emerged about whether Nancy Guthrie was abducted for ransom at all.
Investigation remains active despite major development
While the FBI has ruled out the authenticity of the ransom notes, investigators have made it clear that the case remains open.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department, which is leading the investigation, declined to comment on the notes, referring all questions to the FBI.
"We don't have any updates, other than this is still an active investigation," sheriff's department spokesperson Angelica Carrillo said.
Carrillo also confirmed that evidence collected during the investigation is still being examined.
According to her, DNA samples and video evidence gathered in connection with the disappearance "remain under forensic analysis."
The three messages that later became part of the federal investigation were initially sent to several media outlets, including celebrity news website TMZ, before eventually being handed over to law enforcement for review.
Although investigators have now determined the communications were fake, authorities have not announced any new theory regarding Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.
Savannah Guthrie publicly pleaded with alleged kidnappers
Throughout the investigation, Savannah Guthrie and her family repeatedly appealed for Nancy Guthrie's safe return.
The longtime 'Today' co-anchor and her siblings posted video messages on social media referencing the ransom demands that had surfaced during the case.
In those public appeals, they urged anyone responsible for Nancy Guthrie's disappearance to establish direct communication with the family.
In one emotional message, Savannah Guthrie made it clear the family was prepared to meet the demands if it meant bringing her mother home, saying simply, "we will pay."
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen on January 31 at her home in Tucson, Arizona.
According to investigators, she had spent the evening with her older daughter, Annie Guthrie, and her son-in-law before disappearing.
Authorities have previously noted that Nancy Guthrie had been in frail health and had limited mobility before she went missing.
