Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance has not only affected her beloved family — it has also pulled at the heartstrings of concerned citizens all over the world. As a mom, grandmother, friend and woman of faith, those following the story of her abduction have kindly found a way to try and help.
On Monday, Feb. 16, TMZ reported that a Tucson, Arizona, native named Shawn Breeden has launched a GoFundMe to pay for the bitcoin demand sent to TMZ by a man who says he has the name of who kidnapped the 84-year-old. The GoFundMe account states its intention is to “Help Find Nancy Guthrie.”
GoFundMe for Nancy Guthrie
Breeden explained what drove him to help Nancy’s family pay the Bitcoin demand of $65,000 previously made to TMZ, saying that had it been his family member abducted from their home in the middle of the night, he would hope that someone would find a way like this to help him get them back.
“All funds raised will go directly to the Guthrie family for the purchase of bitcoin, with the goal of obtaining information that could help locate Nancy,” Breeden wrote. “Any additional funds that remain after this effort may be donated to the FBI or Police department to help recoup resources spent on the ongoing search. The situation is urgent, and the family is doing everything they can to bring Nancy home safely.”
Breeden ended his mission statement by saying that it doesn’t matter the amount donated — anything helps as long as the community comes together to support. “It does not matter how large or small your contribution is — every bit of support helps bring this tragic event closer to an end,” Breeden explained. “If we all come together, I believe we can collectively do our part in bringing peace to the Guthrie family. I know if it was my mother or grandmother, I would appreciate every penny and prayer. Let’s help bring this beautiful woman home to her children and family.”
Third Email Says to ‘Be Prepared to Go International’
TMZ reported that they initially received a Bitcoin demand worth $65K from an unknown man on Feb. 11, who said he has the information needed to locate Nancy; however, he said he would only communicate with the outlet, noting that he does not like law enforcement because of having his own criminal record.
In the third email sent to TMZ on Feb. 13, the sender said that authorities should “be prepared to go international” — and even alluded to there being accomplices in the kidnapping, TMZ reported.
When the FBI raised their reward amount to $100,000 the day before his third email, the email sender upped his demand amount to $100,000, saying the FBI’s decision was made to “discredit” him.
In his first email, he said that time was critical in him receiving the Bitcoin amount in relation to locating Nancy, who was kidnapped on Feb. 1 from her home in Catalina Foothills.
“If they want the name of the individual involved then I want 1 Bitcoin to the following wallet,” he wrote to TMZ. “Time is more than relevant.”
FBI Agrees to Give Email Sender $100,000 Reward for Name of Kidnapper
Moments after TMZ shed light on the GoFundMe to help pay the Bitcoin demand, the email sender sent a fourth email to them, saying he was told to keep quiet about seeing Nancy with her abductor “south of the border” only five days ago, TMZ reported.
“I know what I saw 5 days ago south of the border and I was told to shut up so I know who he is and that was definitely Nancy with them,” the email said.
TMZ’s Harvey Levin came back with his own statement for the email sender, writing in the report that the FBI has agreed to pay him the $100,000 reward if he gives them the name of the kidnapper.
“We will immediately forward the information to the FBI. If it leads to finding Nancy and/or the kidnappers, you then have a public record that you are the one responsible, thus ensuring you will get the reward,” TMZ wrote. “The FBI is aware we are making this overture.”
