Federal and local authorities are scrambling to determine whether alleged kidnappers of Savannah Guthrie’s elderly mother sent a ransom message demanding millions of dollars in cryptocurrency just days after she vanished from her Arizona home.
Investigators in southern Arizona confirmed they are reviewing several unverified messages that surfaced online and were sent to media outlets, each claiming to come from those responsible for the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.
The messages raise a disturbing new possibility in a case that has already rattled one of the country’s most recognizable television news families.
Law enforcement sources say multiple outlets received cryptic communications roughly three days after Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home during the overnight hours.
One message, first reported by TMZ, demanded a large payment in Bitcoin. The outlet described the sum only as “in the millions,” to be sent to a specific cryptocurrency wallet.
The sender allegedly included details about the crime scene and what Nancy had been wearing, information investigators believe could indicate firsthand knowledge of the abduction.
Authorities have not authenticated the messages.
“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s),” officials with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement posted online. “All tips and leads are being taken very seriously and are being reviewed by our detectives in coordination with the FBI.”
At a press briefing in Tucson, Chris Nanos declined to confirm whether a ransom demand is driving the investigation.
“We’re following all leads,” Nanos told reporters. “That’s all I can tell you right now.”
The sheriff admitted investigators are still searching for basic answers.
“We don’t know where she is,” he said. “We start from the last place she was seen and work outward. We are pushing this as far as we can.”
Nanos has previously said there is no evidence yet that Nancy was targeted because of her daughter’s fame or wealth, though he stopped short of ruling it out.
“We’ll never dismiss anything,” he said. “Everything stays on the table.”
Savannah Guthrie traveled to Arizona immediately after learning her mother may have been abducted. As the search intensified, her professional life came to a sudden halt.
NBC confirmed the longtime TODAY co-anchor will not cover the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy, choosing instead to remain with her family.
“Our hearts are with Savannah and her entire family during this difficult time,” an NBC Sports spokesperson said. “She will be focusing on her family as the search continues.”
Media columnist Rob Shuter reported that protection protocols around Guthrie, her family, and other TODAY show hosts have been significantly increased since the disappearance.
“This is not routine,” one senior network official said. “NBC security has been in constant contact with law enforcement. Everyone is being extremely cautious.”
Executives at NBC News are said to be coordinating closely with investigators while reviewing internal safety measures.
“There’s zero pressure on Savannah,” a colleague said. “The message is simple: take care of your mom. We’ll handle everything else.”
As President Donald Trump’s administration continues to emphasize aggressive federal involvement in high-profile violent crimes in 2026, the FBI’s role in the case remains active.
For now, the investigation remains wide open.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with information to come forward, stressing that even small details could prove critical in locating Nancy Guthrie and determining whether the ransom messages are real—or a cruel diversion in an already agonizing case.
Discover more from Red News Nation
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone Does this have anything to do with Mat Lawer???