A disturbing ransom-style demand and newly uncovered forensic evidence have intensified the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who vanished from her Tucson, Arizona home in the early hours of February 1.
As the case enters its second week, investigators are now weighing a series of anonymous emails claiming knowledge of the alleged kidnapper’s identity, while also examining physical evidence recovered near the scene and new surveillance footage that could shed light on what happened during the critical overnight window.
Anonymous emails demand $65,000 in Bitcoin
The latest twist in the case centers on a person who contacted media outlet TMZ, claiming to know who abducted Guthrie and demanding payment in exchange for revealing that information.
The individual initially sent an email on Wednesday requesting one Bitcoin—worth roughly $65,000—stating that they had attempted to contact Guthrie’s siblings, Camron and Annie, but had not received a response. The sender emphasized urgency, writing that “time is more than relevant,” and provided a cryptocurrency wallet address for the transfer.
When no payment was made, a second message was sent shortly after 8 a.m. Thursday. In that follow-up email, the sender complained that they were “not being taken seriously” and reportedly included additional ominous language. Authorities have not disclosed the full content of the message at the request of investigators and the FBI.
The sender claimed the requested funds were necessary to allow them to “lay low” after identifying the alleged perpetrator, citing fears of retaliation. The email also referenced concerns about being “incriminated like that Carlos guy,” a reference to a delivery driver who was briefly detained earlier in the investigation before being released without charges.
Law enforcement officials have not confirmed whether the emails are credible. In high-profile cases, authorities frequently receive tips, hoaxes, and extortion attempts, and investigators are expected to scrutinize the messages carefully before determining whether they represent a legitimate lead.
Surveillance footage captures masked figure
Parallel to the ransom demand, investigators have been analyzing surveillance material captured at and around Guthrie’s home in the Catalina Hills neighborhood of Tucson.
Doorbell camera footage from the early hours of February 1 shows a masked individual approaching Guthrie’s front door. The person was dressed in dark clothing, wearing a black face mask, black gloves, and carrying a backpack. The individual appeared to tamper with the camera system before it was disconnected at approximately 1:47 a.m.
Roughly 25 minutes later, at 2:12 a.m., motion detection software registered activity at the property, but no corresponding video footage was recorded—raising concerns that the camera had already been disabled.
Additional footage obtained by investigators reportedly shows a man scaling a wall near the property at around 1:53 a.m. The individual, described as bald and wearing a gray zip-up jacket and blue jeans, was seen carrying a backpack similar to the one visible in the doorbell footage. At one point, the man appeared to attempt to climb over a stone wall before walking away.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the individual seen in the wall-climbing footage is the same person captured on Guthrie’s doorbell camera, but the similarities in clothing and timing have made the footage a focal point of the investigation.
Physical evidence recovered at the scene
Investigators have also recovered potential physical evidence from the property.
A single black glove was found in a shrub near Guthrie’s home. The glove appears to resemble the one worn by the masked figure seen in the doorbell footage. The item has been collected and submitted for forensic analysis, though officials have not disclosed whether any DNA or other identifying material has been obtained.
In addition, authorities previously indicated that blood matching Guthrie’s DNA was found on the front porch area of the residence, heightening concerns that she may have been injured during the incident.
Another critical data point involves Guthrie’s medical monitoring devices. Officials have stated that her pacemaker stopped pairing with her phone and Apple Watch at approximately 2:28 a.m., about 40 minutes after the doorbell camera was disabled. Investigators have not publicly explained what caused the disconnection but consider it an important element of the timeline.
Forensic tent erected as search intensifies
On Thursday morning, investigators erected a white forensic evidence tent outside Guthrie’s home, positioning it near the entrance where the masked individual had previously been captured on camera.
Four officers arrived at the property in an unmarked vehicle at around 8 a.m., bringing equipment and the tent, which temporarily blocked access to the front entrance and porch area. The structure was removed approximately an hour later.
Forensic tents are typically used to shield sensitive investigative work from public view and to protect evidence from environmental contamination. Authorities have not specified what evidence they were examining during this latest search phase.
Timeline of disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen alive on January 31. She had taken an Uber to visit her daughter Annie for dinner and a game night and returned home at approximately 9:48 p.m. Surveillance footage shows her garage door opening and closing shortly after her arrival.
She lived alone at the residence, and there were no immediate signs of disturbance until the overnight hours.
Her family became concerned the following morning when she did not attend a scheduled church livestream gathering with friends. Relatives went to her home at approximately 11:56 a.m. on February 1 and discovered she was missing. A 911 call was placed shortly after noon, and deputies arrived within minutes, launching a large-scale search.
Ongoing investigation and public appeal
The FBI has since joined local authorities in the investigation and has offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery or the identification of those responsible.
Investigators are urging members of the public to report any relevant information directly to law enforcement and to avoid engaging with or responding to anonymous individuals seeking payment or offering unverified claims.
Guthrie’s family has made public appeals for help, describing her as a devoted mother and grandmother whose sudden disappearance is deeply out of character.
As authorities continue to evaluate the ransom-style emails alongside forensic evidence and surveillance material, the case remains open and active. Officials say their priority is to establish a clear timeline of events, identify any suspects, and determine what happened to Nancy Guthrie in the early morning hours of February 1.
For now, the unanswered questions continue to mount, leaving investigators—and the public—searching for clarity in a case that has quickly become one of the most closely watched missing-person investigations in the country.
Emily Johnson is a critically acclaimed essayist and novelist known for her thought-provoking works centered on feminism, women’s rights, and modern relationships. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, Emily grew up with a deep love of books, often spending her afternoons at her local library. She went on to study literature and gender studies at UCLA, where she became deeply involved in activism and began publishing essays in campus journals. Her debut essay collection, Voices Unbound, struck a chord with readers nationwide for its fearless exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the challenges faced by women in contemporary society. Emily later transitioned into fiction, writing novels that balance compelling storytelling with social commentary. Her protagonists are often strong, multidimensional women navigating love, ambition, and the struggles of everyday life, making her a favorite among readers who crave authentic, relatable narratives. Critics praise her ability to merge personal intimacy with universal themes. Off the page, Emily is an advocate for women in publishing, leading workshops that encourage young female writers to embrace their voices. She lives in Seattle with her partner and two rescue cats, where she continues to write, teach, and inspire a new generation of storytellers.
