California man admits to fabricating ransom notes in kidnapping hoax
California man admits to hoax ransom notes in ongoing Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation.
Event / Security
Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Investigation
84-year-old Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson home on February 1, 2026. Two ransom notes were received demanding $4 million in bitcoin, with the second claiming she died shortly after abduction. Authorities released the notes and doorbell camera footage showing a masked suspect six months later, seeking public assistance to identify the perpetrator. The case remains unsolved.
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2026-08-14 to 2026-11-11 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 1 Aug, 00:18 UTC
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What happened
California man pleaded guilty to sending phony ransom notes to Guthrie family
In July 2026, a California man pleaded guilty to sending fraudulent ransom notes to the Guthrie family as harassment. This was separate from the genuine ransom notes believed to be from the actual kidnappers.
Guthrie family offers $1 million reward for information leading to mother's recovery
The Guthrie family announced a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's recovery or resolution of her case. This amount is in addition to up to $100,000 offered by the FBI. The reward was highlighted in Savannah Guthrie's social media plea on August 1, 2026.
Six-month investigation yields extensive video and digital evidence
Six months after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, investigators have accumulated extensive evidence including surveillance videos from her home, tens of thousands of tips, and significant forensic leads. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated investigators have substantial DNA evidence to analyze and continue actively reviewing the case.
Ransom notes released by kidnappers demanding $4-6 million in Bitcoin
Two ransom notes attributed to Nancy Guthrie's kidnappers were released by Pima County Sheriff's Department on July 31, 2026. The first note, sent February 2, demanded $4 million in Bitcoin by February 5 or $6 million by February 9 for her safe return within 12 hours of payment. The note threatened her death if payment was not received by February 9 at 5 PM.
Investigators identify suspect may have visited home twice before kidnapping
Pima County Sheriff's Department analysis of doorbell camera footage suggests the kidnapping suspect visited Nancy Guthrie's home on two separate dates: January 31 and February 1, 2026. Investigators believe the suspect prepared in advance for the kidnapping, which may have involved destroying a backyard floodlight.
No arrests made six months after kidnapping despite ongoing FBI-led investigation
Six months after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance on February 1, 2026, no suspect has been identified and no arrests have been made. A task force composed of Pima County Sheriff's investigators and FBI agents continues the active investigation. Sheriff Chris Nanos stated the case is "far from being cold" and law enforcement will continue working it.
Suspect described as male, 5'9" to 5'10", wearing distinctive backpack
The suspect in surveillance video is described as a man approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build, wearing a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. A white smartwatch was noted on the floor at the foot of Nancy Guthrie's bed.
DNA evidence collected from kidnapping scene does not match suspect in database
Dried blood droplets from Nancy Guthrie were found on tile at the entrance to her home. Investigators collected DNA specimens from inside her home that do not belong to Nancy Guthrie or people close to her. DNA profiles obtained, including from gloves resembling those in surveillance video, did not match anyone in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS).
Kidnappers claim Nancy Guthrie died shortly after kidnapping
A second ransom note sent February 6, 2026 by the purported kidnappers stated that Nancy Guthrie died shortly after being taken, possibly from heart-related causes. The note claimed she was buried in nature and expressed apologies to the family, stating they did not intend to harm her and did not anticipate her death.
Nancy Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, kidnapped from Tucson home
Nancy Guthrie, 84 years old and mother of NBC's Today co-host Savannah Guthrie, was kidnapped from her home near Tucson, Arizona on February 1, 2026. She was taken from her bed during the night.
Doorbell camera footage shows male suspect preparing before kidnapping
Two videos recovered from Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera appear to be from two separate days and show an unidentified male preparing ahead of the kidnapping. The FBI released surveillance videos showing a masked person tampering with a camera on her front porch and blocking it with a plant. The suspect is described as male, approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall.
First ransom note demands $4 million in cryptocurrency
A ransom note sent on February 2 demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency for Nancy Guthrie's release. The note claimed she was safe but scared and stated she would be released unharmed within 12 hours of payment, with an increasing ransom if the initial demand was not met. The note included a threat to kill her if the ransom was not paid.
Savannah Guthrie appeals for public help on six-month anniversary
On Saturday, marking six months since her mother's kidnapping, Savannah Guthrie posted on social media appealing for anyone with information to come forward. She stated the family was desperate for help and asked that someone recognize the writing in the ransom notes or report any suspicious behavior they noticed.
Second ransom note claims Nancy Guthrie died after kidnapping
A second ransom note sent on February 6 stated that Nancy Guthrie died shortly after being taken and is buried in nature. The note included an apology and said nothing could have changed the outcome.
84-year-old Nancy Guthrie kidnapped from Tucson home on February 1
Nancy Guthrie, 84, was kidnapped from her home outside Tucson, Arizona in the early morning hours of February 1. She was taken from her bed at night. No suspects have been arrested in connection with the abduction.
Pima County Sheriff releases ransom notes publicly
The Pima County Sheriff's Department released the complete text of both ransom notes to the public on Friday, hoping someone would recognize the distinctive linguistic characteristics and writing patterns of the author. Authorities stated the notes reveal specific word choices that may be recognizable to someone who knows the writer.
Ransom note contains crime scene details known only to investigators and suspect
The first ransom note included specific details from Nancy Guthrie's home that only investigators and the kidnapper would know, including references to a white smartwatch on the floor at the foot of her bed and a destroyed white floodlight in the backyard, suggesting the note's authenticity.
Savannah Guthrie pleads for closure from kidnapper
On the six-month anniversary of her mother's disappearance, NBC Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie released a video pleading with the abductor to do the right thing and provide information that would bring her family closure.
Doorbell camera videos recovered from Nancy Guthrie crime scene
Two videos recovered from Nancy Guthrie's doorbell camera, potentially from separate days, show an unidentified masked individual. Law enforcement indicated the videos are critical to understanding the suspect's behaviors and show that the individual took steps to prepare for the kidnapping on the night of January 31 to February 1.
Nancy Guthrie disappearance reaches six-month anniversary
Nancy Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of NBC Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for six months since her disappearance from her Tucson home. The case remains unsolved, with authorities continuing to search for her presumed remains.
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2 alternative perspectives
Suspect profile emerges in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation
Suspect profile emerges as DNA from kidnapping scene yields no database match after six months.
Evidence release marks new phase in Nancy Guthrie case
Sheriff releases doorbell footage of suspect preparing for kidnapping as investigation expands public evidence.
Guthrie's family seeks answers from kidnapper six months later
Savannah Guthrie appeals to kidnapper for closure as investigation continues.
Sheriff releases ransom notes in six-month-old kidnapping case
Sheriff releases ransom notes and doorbell footage six months into Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation.