Law enforcement in Arizona has commenced investigations into the Bitcoin ransom note received by TV host Savannah Guthrie. According to authorities in Arizona, the ransom note is connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Savannah’s mother.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said it is monitoring information about an alleged ransom message discovered by news publication TMZ connected to the case. In a post on X, the agency stated it is “aware of the ransom note(s) for Nancy Guthrie.” TMZ reported receiving a message on Tuesday that allegedly demanded a multimillion-dollar payment in Bitcoin and included a specific wallet address.
Bitcoin ransom note connected to kidnapping surfaces
During a segment of TMZ Live, founder Harvey Levin said the outlet contacted law enforcement immediately. We have called the sheriff’s department. We’ve made multiple calls and spoken with the detective unit. We have passed on this email. We don’t know whether this is legit or not,” Levin said. TMZ also said it verified that the Bitcoin address listed in the message exists.
The news outlet also noted that the kidnappers reportedly placed a deadline with an implied threat if their demands were not met. No law enforcement agencies have confirmed the authenticity of the message and declined to share further details. Nancy Guthrie was last seen Saturday night at her residence in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona.
After her family reported her missing on Sunday, the authorities responding to the call discovered a “very concerning” scene, prompting a criminal investigation. According to Sheriff Chris Nanos, investigators believe she did not leave voluntarily. “We do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will, and that’s where we’re at,” Nanos said Tuesday.
Crypto-related kidnappings continue from 2025
DNA samples collected from the property have been submitted for laboratory analysis, and although some results have been returned, none have identified suspects, Nanos said. Investigators declined to discuss whether there were signs of forced entry, missing items, or blood evidence at the scene. “I don’t really want to get into narrowing down the time, because narrowing it down means we can miss some tips and leads,” the sheriff asserted.
Nancy Guthrie is described as 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing about 150 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. According to Sheriff Nanos, she has problems moving around and about, which makes it unlikely she wandered away from home, but she does not have mental health issues. In her first public comments since her mother was reported missing, NBC’s morning program co-host Savannah Guthrie thanked the public for its prayers and support.
“Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them at this very moment.” Meanwhile, the reported ransom Bitcoin demand echoes a kidnapping business economy that clouded 2025, when security agencies documented a rise in crimes against crypto holders and their families.
The post Bitcoin ransom note allegedly sent to TV host amid mother’s kidnap first appeared on Coinfea.