Nancy Guthrie ransom sender drops demand to return her, now only offers to name her kidnappers

PHOENIX, ARIZONA: The same person who previously demanded $4 million for Nancy Guthrie's safe return is no longer asking for anything in exchange for her.

Instead, the sender now claims to be willing to provide the alleged identities of the people responsible for taking Savannah Guthrie's mother.

The latest development surfaced on Friday, June 26, when TMZ reported receiving another email from a person it said was linked to earlier ransom communications.

TMZ says latest email is linked to earlier ransom messages

According to TMZ, the latest email came from the same person who previously sent ransom notes because it used the same alias and referenced the same bitcoin wallet address that appeared in earlier communications.

The sender claimed to have hidden a cellphone in what was described as a secure location and alleged that the device contained information capable of identifying the people behind Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

"I have a phone stashed in a secure location guaranteeing both the information it stores and the safety of the phone," the email read.

Rather than demanding millions of dollars, the sender allegedly asked for payment into a newly created Bitcoin wallet in exchange for providing access to the phone.

New demand marks a major shift from earlier ransom messages

The latest communication differs sharply from the original ransom notes that sought $4 million in exchange for Nancy Guthrie's safe return.

This time, the sender no longer makes that demand. Instead, the email centers on an alleged offer to reveal information about the people said to be involved in the case.

According to TMZ, the sender claimed there were two kidnappers involved and wrote that the phone would help deliver them "on a silver platter."

Importantly, the latest email does not make any independently verified claim about Nancy Guthrie's current status, and authorities have not confirmed the sender's assertions.

Sender claims phone contains video, photos, and identifying details

The sender alleged the hidden phone contains "a short video of the main guy with Nancy," along with photographs, names, addresses and ages of the individuals the person claimed were involved.

"What it contains is my definition of delivering [the kidnappers] on a silver platter, a short video of the main guy with Nancy... pictures of both involved, names and addresses and age," the email stated.

TMZ reported that it requested a screenshot from the alleged video after forwarding the email to the FBI.

The outlet also reported that the sender claimed not to be the individual who previously tipped searchers about a possible burial site in Mexico, writing, "I am not the idiot who recently called in a tip about her burial site in Mexico."

TMZ further reported that the sender mocked what it described as the FBI's reported belief that earlier ransom notes may have been written by a woman, leading the outlet to speculate the latest email may have come from a man.

Neither claim has been confirmed by investigators.

Authorities say investigation remains active as Savannah Guthrie renews appeal

Responding to the latest developments, a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff's Department said the investigation remains ongoing.

"The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie remains active and ongoing," the department said.

"The Pima County Sheriff's Department continues to work closely with the FBI as investigators follow up on leads, review information, and pursue the facts surrounding this case."

The renewed attention follows reports about earlier ransom communications and comes after Savannah Guthrie made an emotional public appeal for information.

"Somebody knows something," the Today host said. "We need your help."

Authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of the claims made in the latest email, and the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance remains ongoing.