A disturbing new twist emerged in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, after TMZ reported it allegedly received a ransom note demanding payment for her release.
According to TMZ, the alleged ransom message was disclosed during a livestream featuring Harvey Levin and Charles Latibeaudiere, who said the note demanded a large payment in cryptocurrency in exchange for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. The message reportedly directed payment to a specific Bitcoin address and included a deadline, along with language implying consequences if the demands were not met.
TMZ said it confirmed that the Bitcoin address included in the alleged note is legitimate and noted that the sum demanded was in the millions of dollars. The outlet also stated that representatives contacted the Pima County Sheriff’s Department to share the information they had received.
During the livestream, Levin and Latibeaudiere described details in the alleged note that they said suggested knowledge of the situation. Levin said the message referenced specific information, including details about what Nancy Guthrie was wearing and alleged damage to a house. Latibeaudiere added that the tone of the note appeared intended to signal credibility.
“It’s clearly saying … we know what we’re talking about,” Latibeaudiere said, as Levin emphasized that the alleged message contained what he described as an implicit threat.
Shortly after TMZ publicly discussed the alleged ransom note, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department acknowledged the reports in a statement posted on X. The agency said it was aware of claims circulating about possible ransom note or notes connected to the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
“We are taking all tips and leads very seriously,” the sheriff’s department said, adding that any information received is being sent directly to detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed the authenticity of the alleged ransom note or provided additional details about its origin. The sheriff’s department did not disclose whether the note has been verified or whether it has been linked to the person or persons responsible for Guthrie’s disappearance.
Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday. According to the information released, the 84-year-old is in poor health and requires daily medication to survive, a fact that has intensified concern as the investigation continues.
The case has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie’s high-profile role in broadcast television, as well as the troubling nature of the alleged ransom demand. While law enforcement continues to assess tips and leads, officials have urged the public to come forward with any information that could assist in locating Guthrie and resolving the case.
As investigators work with federal authorities, questions remain about who may have sent the alleged note and whether it is connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. For now, officials say the focus remains on gathering credible information, protecting the integrity of the investigation, and ensuring that all leads are thoroughly examined.
The sheriff’s department has not released further updates, and no arrests have been announced. The situation remains fluid as authorities continue their search and assess the reported ransom demand.
