FBI Investigates Ransom Notes in Nancy Guthrie Case

Jon Scott reports on the ongoing mystery surrounding the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie. Fox News contributor and former FBI agent Nicole Parker discusses how the FBI handles ransom notes and the need for public assistance. The FBI is examining some ransom demands as genuine, while others are identified as fraudulent, causing distress to Guthrie’s family.

TUCSON, Ariz. — The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has released two ransom notes, hoping that someone can identify the author based on their similarities, which suggest they were written by the same person. The notes exhibit a unique linguistic style, which authorities believe might make the author recognizable.

Although authenticity is not confirmed, Guthrie’s daughter, Savannah Guthrie, has expressed her belief that the notes could be real. Investigators are also considering this possibility.

Authorities in Arizona continue to search for leads in the Nancy Guthrie case. The 84-year-old was last seen at her home in Tucson on Jan. 31. The ransom notes were received on Feb. 2 and Feb. 6.

Newly revealed details in the ransom demands assert that her life is in your hands. Authorities state that the notes share the same unique linguistic style and are likely from the same individual. The style is so distinctive that someone familiar with it may recognize the writer.

The first note was sent Feb. 2, a day after Guthrie’s suspected abduction. The second note, sent Feb. 6, shares the same style. These notes mentioned details specific to the crime scene that were not public when they were sent. References include the location of Guthrie’s Apple Watch and a broken floodlight in her backyard.

Fox News Digital first learned about the watch on Feb. 3. Authorities indicate the Feb. 2 note suggests the sender knew these details before they were publicly known. Jason Pack, a retired FBI negotiator, noted that although this shows knowledge of Guthrie’s home, it doesn’t confirm knowledge specific to her or proof of life.

Pack emphasizes two key observations: the writer’s native English proficiency, seen through the correct use of idioms and connecting words; and the presence of office language, portraying someone experienced in sending business emails.

The FBI released images captured by Guthrie’s Nest doorbell camera. Although unclear if the images show the same person, the sheriff’s department acknowledges these may depict the masked intruder over two days.

They’re seeking public help to identify him, asking locals to report any changes in behavior such as heightened anxiety, alterations in physical appearance, or unusual activities like leaving town or cleaning their vehicles thoroughly after the video was released on Feb. 10. The public can contact authorities by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or 520-88-CRIME to remain anonymous.

The cumulative reward for information leading to Guthrie’s discovery is over $1.2 million. This amount remains unclaimed as of Friday, marking the six-month anniversary of Guthrie’s abduction.

Savannah Guthrie’s emotional plea to her mother’s kidnapper may indicate a potential new communication opportunity.

This is a developing story.