'She'll be killed': Nancy Guthrie's first ransom note revealed on 'Crime Junkie' six months later

TUCSON, ARIZONA: Six months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson home, new details have emerged in the case.

On Wednesday, July 22, an episode of the popular true crime podcast 'Crime Junkie' featured breaking news reporter Briana Whitney and co-host Ashley Flowers revealing the contents of what they said was the first ransom note sent after the mother of host Savannah Guthrie went missing earlier this year.

'Crime Junkie' reveals first Nancy Guthrie ransom note

According to 'Crime Junkie', the note opened with a direct message to Savannah Guthrie and claimed that Nancy Guthrie was being held for ransom.

"Hello, Savannah. We have your mother, Nancy. She is safe but scared," the note reportedly read. "She will be held for ransom, and once payment is received, she will be released unharmed. We will be holding her for a maximum of seven days." 

The letter allegedly instructed that payment be made to a Bitcoin address and warned of severe consequences if the demand was not met.

"Once payment is received to the Bitcoin address below, she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop off location back in Tucson. If the payment is not received by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5 pm, she will be killed."

Whitney also noted that the letter included several details from the crime scene. It reportedly contained repeated threats and warned the family not to contact law enforcement.

Nancy Guthrie vanished after family gathering

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31, when family members dropped her off at her Tucson home after spending time together over dinner and a game night.

By late morning on February 1, she was reported missing after she failed to arrive at a friend's home to watch a virtual church service.

Investigators in Pima County later said they believed Guthrie had been taken against her will. As the investigation progressed, authorities recovered security camera footage from Guthrie's property.

The camera had reportedly been disabled, but investigators were still able to recover images showing a man outside the home. The footage allegedly showed a person wearing a ski mask, gloves, a jacket, and a backpack.

The FBI's Phoenix field office later described the suspect as a man standing approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10 with an average build.

Ransom note warned against contacting police

While reading the note on the podcast, Whitney shared another section that appeared to pressure the family into following the kidnapper's instructions without contacting investigators.

"Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands," the note allegedly stated. "It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible. You will not be able to contact me from here on out. There will be no negotiation. Do not play games. Law enforcement will not be able to help you."

The letter repeatedly emphasized urgency while claiming there would be no further communication or opportunity to negotiate.

Nancy Guthrie investigation remains active

The podcast noted that, despite the release of the ransom note's contents, investigators are still searching for answers in the case.

The episode's caption stated that, six months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson home, investigators continue to face unexpected developments in the case.

It added that, as of the episode's release, Nancy Guthrie remains missing, the investigation is still active, and law enforcement agencies continue to pursue forensic evidence and public tips.