A retired FBI agent has described an alleged ransom note connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is “beyond cruel.”
Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing in Pima County, Arizona, on Sunday morning having been seen on Saturday evening at her Tucson home. Law enforcement declared the home a “crime scene” and said they did not believe Nancy Guthrie left the home on her own.
On Monday, local Arizona outlet 13 News and TMZ said they received an alleged ransom note about Nancy Guthrie, which investigators are trying to verify.
Writing on X, Jennifer Coffindaffer, who worked as a special agent at the FBI for 25 years, said that if the note was a hoax it was “absolutely beyond cruel.”
Newsweek reached out to Pima County’s Sheriff’s Department to comment on this story outside of normal business hours.
Why It Matters
The case has attracted national attention because Nancy Guthrie’s daughter, Savannah Guthrie is a public figure.
The 84-year-old is said to have limited mobility but does not suffer from cognitive issues. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters on Monday that her home is now considered to be a crime scene and that investigators are not ruling out foul play.
Nanos also said Nancy Guthrie needs daily medication and it could be fatal if she did not have the medication every 24 hours.
What To Know
Coffindaffer questioned the timing of the ransom note: “Why in the world would an abductor wait 3 days to send demand,” she wrote. “If this is a hoax situation, it is absolutely beyond cruel.”
She added: “If it is legitimate, I just hope 84 year old Nancy is alive! Praying for the family and for Proof of Life.”
Meanwhile, Savannah Guthrie addressed the note in a video statement on Instagram on Wednesday night.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk,” Savannah said, speaking directly to a possible kidnapper.
What People Are Saying
Savannah Guthrie previously told Newsweek: “Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.”
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters at a Monday press conference: “We believe now, after we’ve processed that crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime scene, that we do in fact have a crime. And we’re asking the community’s help.”
“We make a plea to anyone who knows anything about this, who has seen something, heard something, to contact us,” he added. “Call 911. We don’t need another bad tragic ending. We need some help.”
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social on Wednesday night: “I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s, and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP”
What Happens Next
Investigators are verifying the alleged ransom note’s credibility.
The search for Nancy Guthrie continues. Investigators have advised anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at (520) 351-4900.