TUCSON, Ariz. —
TMZ reports receiving a new email in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case, with the sender claiming to know the identity of the kidnapper and demanding bitcoin in exchange for the information.
- TMZ received an email just after 9:00 a.m. Arizona time from someone claiming knowledge of Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper.
- The sender requested 1 bitcoin – currently valued around $65,000 – to “lay low” after identifying the kidnapper, fearing retaliation.
- This is the second email received by TMZ requesting bitcoin for information related to the case.
- Authorities continue to search for Guthrie, who has been missing since Jan. 31 and is without necessary medication.
TMZ received an email claiming to have information about the person who abducted Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, according to a report published Tuesday.
The sender of the email, received shortly after 9:00 a.m. Arizona time, stated they are “not being taken seriously” and made ominous statements, per TMZ. The individual is requesting 1 bitcoin – currently worth approximately $65,000 – in exchange for the kidnapper’s identity.
According to the email, the sender needs the funds to avoid potential retaliation and fears being implicated “like that Carlos guy,” referring to a person of interest who was previously detained and released by authorities, TMZ reported. The sender claims this is their final attempt to provide assistance.
This email follows a similar message received the previous day, in which the sender also demanded 1 bitcoin for information about the kidnapper. TMZ reported that the account was monitored, but no bitcoin was deposited.
Background and Context
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of Jan. 31 after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills near East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue. She was reported missing the following day when she failed to appear for church, according to previous reporting by FOX 10 Phoenix.
Authorities have stated that Guthrie was taken from her home against her will and is without necessary medication. Photos taken at the scene revealed blood drops on the porch of her residence. On Feb. 11, the FBI conducted an extensive search along roadways in the Catalina Foothills area related to the investigation, according to a statement from the FBI’s Phoenix field office.
“Numerous FBI agents are conducting an extensive search along multiple roadways in the Catalina Foothills area related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation,” the FBI’s Phoenix field office said in a statement on Feb. 11.
TMZ is cooperating with law enforcement and is not disclosing specific details from the email, according to their report.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by TMZ and FOX 10 Phoenix and added independent analysis and context.
