A startling new twist has emerged in the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing since Jan. 31 after being taken from her Arizona home.
The Outlet Reveals the Note
TMZ revealed they have received another email that is from someone claiming they know the identity of the alleged kidnapper, but are demanding one Bitcoin in exchange for the information.
The outlet revealed part of the message said, “I am not being taken seriously.”
The individual added they need the amount to lay low as they feel they will be retaliated against.
The message added that they could be “incriminated like that Carlos[the deliveryman who was detained and released] guy.”
The note added that the individual stated that this is their last attempt to help.
The first message arrived just before 5 a.m. Pacific Time and included a valid Bitcoin address, which TMZ confirmed; the outlet forwarded the letter to the FBI.
The sender claimed they had tried, unsuccessfully, to contact Savannah Guthrie’s siblings — Camron and Annie — by email and text before reaching out via this demand.
The note bluntly stated, “If they want the name of the individual involved then I want 1 Bitcoin to the following wallet. Time is more than relevant.”
At current market values, one Bitcoin hovers around roughly $65,000-$70,000, making this an unusual and high-stakes request.
While this is the third communication TMZ has received since Nancy’s disappearance — the earlier ones were more traditional ransom notes also mentioning Bitcoin — authorities are treating this latest claim with caution, as it’s unclear whether the sender is a credible source or simply a person looking to exploit public attention.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Office, are investigating all leads but have not confirmed that the sender of this letter actually has any real knowledge of the kidnapper’s identity.
Investigators continue to stress that unverified messages like this should not be taken at face value, and emphasize that the safety and recovery of Nancy Guthrie remains their priority.
What This Bitcoin Demand Means for the Investigation
This new Bitcoin-for-information note arrives amid a fast-moving, complex investigation.
Over the past week, authorities released surveillance images and video of a masked individual seen at Nancy’s front door — a potential person of interest — and found physical evidence near her home.
These developments have kept pressure on the case, though no confirmed suspect has been publicly named or arrested.
For investigators, a legitimate cryptocurrency address can be a useful tool because Bitcoin transactions are publicly visible on the blockchain.
In theory, law enforcement can track funds as they move through digital wallets, which could potentially provide leads.
A crypto expert told Page Six that authorities may now have “control” of some cryptocurrency information related to the case, giving them an edge in disentangling legitimate signals from noise.
However, experts warn that many such messages in high-profile cases can turn out to be hoaxes or opportunistic attempts to profit from media attention.
Former federal law enforcement officials have expressed skepticism about some of the letters tied to the Guthrie case, noting that the language and demands don’t align with typical ransom communications and may instead represent exploitation of the high-profile disappearance for financial gain.
Family and Law Enforcement Response
While the family has publicly implored the public to help find Nancy, and investigators have said they’re following every credible lead, no verified motive or suspect has been confirmed.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings have repeatedly stated their willingness to pay for their mother’s safe return, but authorities continue to urge anyone with verified information to contact the FBI or local law enforcement directly rather than engage with unvetted claims.
The investigation remains active and fluid as officials sift through potential tips, surveillance material, and evolving evidence.
The latest Bitcoin-linked demand underscores both the complexity of modern investigations and the challenges posed by the intersection of digital currency and high-profile criminal cases.
