Arizona Authorities Release Ransom Notes in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case to Identify Suspect

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department made public two ransom notes Friday in an effort to identify the person responsible for Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping. Officials believe the documents were written by the same individual, whose distinctive linguistic patterns may be recognizable to someone in the community, investigators said.

While authorities have not officially verified the notes’ authenticity, Savannah Guthrie, a co-host on NBC’s “Today” show and Nancy Guthrie’s daughter, indicated she considers them potentially legitimate. Law enforcement officials also have not dismissed the possibility that the notes are genuine.

The two notes arrived on February 2 and February 6, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators are focusing on the unusual writing characteristics as a potential breakthrough in identifying the suspect.

The department also confirmed that Nest video footage recorded from Guthrie’s residence appears to capture a masked figure on separate occasions. Law enforcement is requesting that the public report any suspicious behavioral changes observed since February 10, when the video was released, including signs of nervousness, alterations in appearance, departures from the area, or other unusual conduct.

Anyone with information can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or call 520-88-CRIME to remain anonymous. The reward fund now exceeds $1.2 million, and the case approaches its six-month anniversary without resolution.