Investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s Case
In a troubling development in the case of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, anchor of the Today Show, investigators are examining a ransom note that purportedly demands a substantial sum in Bitcoin in exchange for her safe return. This note appeared during an ongoing investigation that law enforcement officials suspect may involve abduction.
Details of the Ransom Note
TMZ was the first to report on the ransom demand, indicating that the message includes a significant Bitcoin payment request along with a deadline and a warning related to Guthrie’s safety if the ransom is not fulfilled. Harvey Levin, the founder and host of TMZ, discussed the situation on a recent episode of TMZ Live, noting the station has alerted authorities and received no confirmation on the note’s legitimacy.
Timeline of Events
Guthrie was last seen at her residence in Arizona’s Catalina Foothills on January 31. Initially categorized as a missing vulnerable adult due to her age, the investigation took a more serious turn on February 2 when authorities identified concerning evidence within her home, leading them to treat the situation as a potential kidnapping.
Law Enforcement Response
Levin mentioned that ransom notes like this one are not a rarity in media reports.
“These situations occur from time to time,”
he stated. However, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office has not verified whether the ransom message originates from actual kidnappers or is just a ploy involving Bitcoin theft. When approached for further details, the sheriff’s office reiterated their commitment to investigating all leads related to Guthrie’s case and indicated they are working closely with the FBI.
Authenticity of the Ransom Note
Despite doubts surrounding the note’s authenticity, TMZ’s executive producer Charles Latibeaudiere confirmed that the Bitcoin address included in the communication is legitimate. He indicated that the note contained a detailed description of Guthrie’s clothing at the time of her disappearance and identified a damaged object found in her home as reported by TMZ.
Historical Context of Bitcoin Ransom
The phenomenon of using Bitcoin for ransom dates back over a decade when early ransomware sought cryptocurrency payments for unlocking files. This trend has gained traction in recent years, making its way into cases of physical kidnapping as well. Notable examples include:
- A Canadian family who faced torture in 2024 for access to their crypto assets.
- The abduction of WonderFi CEO Dean Skurka in Toronto, who was released after a ransom of $720,000 was paid.
- Ledger co-founder David Balland experienced a kidnapping in France that involved a ransom demand in cryptocurrency.
- In the U.S., two New York men were charged last June for kidnapping and torturing an Italian victim in a bid to gain access to his Bitcoin holdings.
