Ransom note claims Nancy Guthrie died after abduction

A ransom note sent days after 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home claimed she had died, according to sources cited by CBS and the BBC’s U.S. partner.

The note was one of two addressed to the family and sent to local and national media shortly after her January kidnapping; the first demanded millions in bitcoin for a release, the second stated she had died and included an apology to the family.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the investigation remains active but did not comment on the authenticity of the letters. Both the FBI and sheriff’s office are following up on leads and reviewing the information.

The Guthrie family believes the notes are real, offering a $1 million reward plus $100 000 from the FBI for information leading to Nancy’s return. Savannah Guthrie has publicly voiced hope while her family and law‑enforcement agencies continue the search.