The quiet of a Tucson evening shattered on Saturday night with the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Last seen at her home around 9:30 p.m., her absence quickly escalated from a missing person case to a suspected crime, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
Investigators discovered a disturbing trail – drops of blood leading from the home’s entryway, tracing a path down the walkway towards the driveway. This grim evidence fueled growing fears that Nancy Guthrie hadn’t simply wandered off, but was taken against her will.
The case took a chilling turn when two news outlets, TMZ and Tucson’s CBS affiliate, received potential ransom notes. These weren’t generic demands; they contained “sensitive information” – details known only to someone who had been present during the abduction.
TMZ reported a demand for millions of dollars in cryptocurrency, sent to a specific Bitcoin address, with a looming deadline and a veiled threat. The note initially mentioned a specific item of clothing Nancy Guthrie was believed to be wearing, a detail later corrected by the sender.
Adding to the unsettling nature of the notes, one described damage to an item inside Nancy Guthrie’s home, further suggesting intimate knowledge of the scene. The CBS affiliate, KOLD, received a similar email on Monday night, immediately forwarding it to the Sheriff’s Department.
KOLD anchor Mary Coleman revealed the note contained details that strongly indicated its authenticity, stating it held information “only someone who is holding [Nancy Guthrie] for ransom, would know.” The specificity of the details led investigators to believe it was far from a hoax.
As the investigation intensifies, Nancy Guthrie’s family has made a desperate plea for her safe return. Savannah Guthrie, speaking alongside her siblings, described their mother as a vibrant, loving woman cherished by her family and friends.
“Our mom is our heart and our home,” Savannah Guthrie implored, her voice filled with anguish. She emphasized her mother’s fragile health and critical need for medication, expressing fears for her well-being and potential suffering.
The family acknowledged the reports of a ransom note and affirmed their willingness to negotiate, but stressed the need for proof of life. They pleaded with the abductors to make contact, offering to listen and cooperate, desperate for any sign that their mother was still alive.
“We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her,” Savannah Guthrie stated, her words echoing the family’s profound fear and unwavering hope. The search for Nancy Guthrie continues, shrouded in uncertainty and fueled by a family’s desperate plea.
