A third ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin has been sent to news outlet TMZ in connection with the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s “Today” show. The latest communication, received Wednesday, requests 1 Bitcoin – currently valued at approximately $70,000 – in exchange for information regarding the identity of those allegedly holding Guthrie.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and TMZ have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the authenticity of the note or the status of the investigation, according to reports. The FBI also declined to provide updated details on the case.
The note reportedly includes a legitimate Bitcoin address, though news organizations have refrained from publicly sharing it. Even as a Bitcoin address itself does not reveal the identity of its owner, blockchain forensics firms can often trace transactions and potentially uncover clues leading to the individual or group controlling the wallet. Any transaction made to the address, and the address of the sender, would be publicly visible on the Bitcoin blockchain.
The case took a brief turn Tuesday when a 36-year-old Arizona resident, identifying himself only as Carlos, was detained and subsequently released. Carlos stated to authorities upon his release that he had no knowledge of Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts and expressed hope for her safe return.
Authorities continue to investigate the disappearance, which began February 1st when Guthrie’s family reported her missing. Evidence suggests she was taken from her home against her will; a doorbell camera had been tampered with, and blood was discovered at the residence. Surveillance footage released by the FBI shows a person with a covered face, revealing only the eyes and mouth, carrying a backpack at Guthrie’s home on the night she vanished.
Following reports of the initial ransom demands, Savannah Guthrie released a video statement on Instagram alongside her siblings, stating, “We will pay.” Activity was observed Tuesday in a Bitcoin account previously linked to a ransom note, according to TMZ.
