Second ransom note in disappearance of Savannah Guthrie's mother states she is dead, sources confirm
A second ransom note sent to media outlets in February regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie — the mother of NBC "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie — stated that she had died, multiple law enforcement sources with knowledge of the investigation told CNN.
The note came after an initial demand for millions of dollars. Investigators believe both communications are legitimate and originated from the kidnappers. Sources said the second message claimed that Nancy Guthrie died shortly after being abducted, and that her death was unintentional.
In response, the family released an emotional video on February 7, in which Savannah Guthrie said, "We received your message, and we understand."
The contents of the second note were known to CNN as well as a Tucson, Arizona, television station that received both documents. In coordination with law enforcement and the Guthrie family, both outlets agreed to hold off reporting the details to preserve the ability to authenticate any future communications.
Questions about the ransom notes resurfaced Monday after TMZ founder Harvey Levin posted a video addressing widely circulated reports. Levin denied claims that he had received a note apologizing to Savannah Guthrie for her mother's kidnapping and death. Instead, he said the note stated Nancy Guthrie was "scared but OK," with no mention of an apology or her death.
Levin added that TMZ had received multiple emails from an individual claiming knowledge of the kidnappers and Guthrie's whereabouts, asking for roughly $100,000 in exchange for information. "There's something about those emails that made me believe that this guy may well have known who the kidnappers were," Levin said. The FBI declined TMZ's offer to pay the informant.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department, which has been leading the case since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance roughly five months ago, told CNN on Monday that the investigation remains "active and ongoing." The department directed other questions about the ransom notes to the FBI, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
More than 20 weeks have passed since Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, after security cameras at her Arizona home captured a masked man carrying a handgun. Despite an extensive investigation by authorities and help from the community, few answers have emerged about her whereabouts or fate.
Throughout the investigation, multiple media outlets have received purported ransom notes from individuals claiming involvement. However, officials have said little about the letters' authenticity, leaving key questions unanswered.
This story has been updated with additional information.