Explosive Details Emerge in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance as Purported Ransom Note Surfaces

6 February 2026 U.S. News

TUCSON, Ariz. — As the search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, enters its sixth day, new developments have intensified the urgency surrounding her disappearance. Harvey Levin, founder of TMZ, provided a startling update on Fox News’ “Hannity” Thursday night, revealing that a purported ransom note received by his newsroom contains detailed, non-random information that strongly suggests the person behind it may be in close proximity to Guthrie’s home.

Guthrie, 84, vanished early Sunday morning, prompting a widespread investigation involving local law enforcement and federal agencies. Authorities have yet to identify any suspects, but the emergence of the ransom note has added a new layer of complexity to the case. Levin described the letter as “structured” and emphasized that it included specific knowledge of Guthrie’s residence, which has raised concerns that the kidnappers are nearby.

“The letter begins by saying she is safe, but scared, and they go on to say she knows exactly what the demand is,” Levin explained on air. “They are, through us, telling the family and obviously the sheriff’s department gave the family the letter we received, exactly what they’re demanding, and they’re saying that Nancy is aware of it.”

The initial deadline mentioned in the note passed Thursday without further contact, but Levin noted a second, more consequential deadline set for Monday. Law enforcement officials are racing to trace the note’s origin, working closely with the FBI and other federal partners. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has been actively involved, providing technical assistance and coordinating with local authorities.

Meanwhile, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office continues canvassing neighborhoods near Guthrie’s home, following leads and urging the public to come forward with any information. The sheriff’s office has reiterated that “everybody’s still a suspect,” underscoring the open-ended nature of the investigation.

Authorities have also offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s safe return, a move aimed at encouraging tips from the community. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has established a dedicated hotline for tips, while the National Institute of Justice has provided resources to assist in the ongoing search.

Experts have weighed in on the case, noting that the detailed nature of the ransom note deviates from typical ransom demands, which often lack specific knowledge of the victim’s circumstances. A former FBI hostage negotiator described the note as “worrisome” due to its digital component and the apparent awareness the kidnappers have of Guthrie’s medical needs.

As the investigation unfolds, Savannah Guthrie and her family have made public pleas for proof of life and communication from the kidnappers, hoping to confirm Nancy Guthrie’s wellbeing. The family’s calls for a way to communicate with the captors reflect the growing anxiety surrounding the case.

The disappearance has drawn national attention, with media outlets closely monitoring developments. The involvement of federal agencies such as the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI highlights the seriousness of the situation and the collaborative effort to resolve it.

With the Monday deadline looming, law enforcement officials remain vigilant, combing through evidence and analyzing the ransom note for clues. The public is urged to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to authorities as the search for Nancy Guthrie continues.

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Written By
Priya Desai covers technology, platforms and data privacy, with a focus on how AI, social media and digital policy are reshaping work, speech and daily life.
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