The disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has taken a chilling turn, escalating from a missing person case to a suspected crime involving a potential ransom demand.
Last seen at her Tucson home Saturday night, Guthrie’s vanishing initially prompted concern, but Sheriff Chris Nanos has now confirmed authorities believe a crime has occurred. Investigators discovered a trail of blood drops leading from the home’s entrance, extending down the pathway towards the driveway – a grim indication of a possible struggle.
Authorities are operating under the assumption that Guthrie was taken against her will, with kidnapping or abduction being primary lines of inquiry. The situation intensified when two news organizations, TMZ and a local CBS affiliate, received communications suggesting a ransom demand.
TMZ reported receiving a note demanding a multi-million dollar payment in cryptocurrency, delivered to a specific Bitcoin address and accompanied by a strict deadline. The message reportedly included a veiled threat, hinting at consequences if the demands weren’t met.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, the alleged ransom note contained details about Guthrie’s home, specifically mentioning damage to an item within the residence. This specificity, coupled with other sensitive information, has raised serious concerns.
KOLD, the Tucson CBS affiliate, also received a potential ransom note, which they immediately forwarded to the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Anchor Mary Coleman revealed the note contained information “only someone who is holding [Nancy Guthrie] for ransom would know,” suggesting it wasn’t a hoax.
The details within the notes are so precise, so intimate to the circumstances of Guthrie’s disappearance, that investigators are treating them with the utmost seriousness. They suggest the perpetrator had direct knowledge of the events unfolding at the home.
Savannah Guthrie, along with her siblings, made a heartfelt plea for their mother’s safe return, sharing their anguish and desperation in a public message. They described their mother as a vibrant, loving woman cherished by her family and friends.
The family emphasized Guthrie’s fragile health and critical need for medication, expressing fears for her well-being and potential suffering. They are prepared to negotiate, but insist on verifiable proof of their mother’s continued life.
“We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her,” Savannah Guthrie implored, acknowledging the potential for manipulation but reaffirming their willingness to listen and cooperate. The family’s plea underscores the urgency and emotional weight of this unfolding crisis.
