(NEXSTAR) – The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Tuesday that it is “aware of reports” regarding “possible ransom note(s)” related to Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy Guthrie.
“We are taking all tips and leads very seriously,” the social media post read. “Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”
No additional details were provided.
The post appeared to be in response to a report from TMZ, which said early Tuesday evening that it had received an alleged, unverified ransom note demanding millions in Bitcoin in exchange for the release of Nancy Guthrie. Separately, a journalist with Tucson television station KOLD said in an X post that the station received what appears to be a ransom note.
Both outlets reported that the alleged notes had been sent to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Blood, signs of forced entry found at home of Savannah Guthrie’s mother: Reports
Nancy, 84, was last seen on Saturday night at her Tucson, Arizona, home, where she lived alone. When she didn’t attend church on Sunday, a member called a family member of Guthrie’s. Her family then searched her home before calling authorities, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
“We do believe that Nancy was taken from her home against her will, and that’s where we’re at,” Nanos said during a press conference on Tuesday. He previously said Nancy has “some physical ailments, has some physical challenges, [and] is in need of medication.”
During Tuesday’s press conference, Nanos declined to say whether Guthrie was the victim of a random or targeted abduction, or whether a ransom demand had been made.
This image provided by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, shows a missing person alert for Nancy Guthrie. (Pima County Sheriff’s Department via AP)
“We’re looking at all the leads, and we don’t know. We’re going to assume both sides of that,” Nanos said Tuesday. He reiterated throughout the press conference that investigators were “following all leads.”
When asked whether authorities believed they were looking for someone who is still alive, Nanos told reporters, “We hope we are.”
Blood reportedly found at Nancy Guthrie’s home
While Nanos said investigators processed Guthrie’s home — which has since been turned back over to the family — like any other, looking for “blood, DNA, any kind of physical evidence, fingerprints, anything,” he declined to answer questions about whether blood was found.
Multiple outlets, including the Los Angeles Times and CBS News, reported on Tuesday that blood was found at the residence, citing law enforcement sources.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, in an email to Nexstar before the press conference, said DNA samples had been collected at the scene, but would not confirm the presence of blood evidence. Nanos said Tuesday that evidence had been submitted to labs.
“We’re like you, we’re waiting for those returns to come back,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
Investigators are also working with camera companies to review footage, though Nanos said they did not have any surveillance footage.
Meanwhile, the FBI is reviewing cellphone data and cell tower information, according to Jon Edwards, the assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Tucson office.
Anyone with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, including any photos or videos “that may help with this investigation,” is encouraged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900 or the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
