Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains under investigation as the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and an FBI task force assess information about a possible new ransom note. Authorities said Tuesday they are aware of social media discussion surrounding the note but have not established its credibility. A law enforcement source familiar with the case said no new note is currently being treated as credible. Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona, home in the early hours of Feb. 1.
| 1) | Possible new note under review |
| 2) | Official response and credibility assessment |
| 3) | Timeline of the disappearance |
| 4) | Earlier ransom notes and investigation |
| 5) | Public appeal and unresolved questions |
Possible new note under review
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said its investigators and the FBI task force examining the disappearance were recently informed of a possible new ransom note. The department did not publicly authenticate the material or provide details about when, where or how it was received. The information is being examined because any genuine communication connected to the case could help investigators establish what happened to Nancy Guthrie.
The note has drawn attention on social media, where comments and speculation have circulated. Authorities said those online discussions are also being reviewed as part of the credibility assessment. No conclusion has been announced about whether the material was written by someone connected to the disappearance.
Official response and credibility assessment
The sheriff’s department addressed the matter in a Tuesday social media post, saying the joint task force was aware of the possible note and was investigating its credibility. The statement was limited and did not identify a suspect, confirm a demand or indicate that the case had produced a verified new development.
“The PCSD/FBI Guthrie Task Force was recently made aware of a new possible ransom note related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.”
A law enforcement source familiar with the investigation said there are no new notes being treated as credible. That distinction is important because investigators must establish the origin and authenticity of any purported evidence before relying on it in the case.
Timeline of the disappearance
Nancy Guthrie was last seen shortly before 10 p.m. local time on Jan. 31, after a relative dropped her off at her home in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills neighborhood. Authorities say she was taken from the residence in the early hours of Feb. 1 and has not been seen since.
The disappearance has been treated as an abduction. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in the days afterward that Guthrie did not leave voluntarily.
“She did not leave on her own. We know that.”
Investigators have not publicly identified a suspect or person of interest. A masked man was captured on Guthrie’s Ring doorbell camera, and authorities have released images from that video while seeking information about the person shown.
Earlier ransom notes and investigation
Authorities previously released two ransom notes in late July. The first was sent Feb. 2, one day after the reported abduction, and said Guthrie was unharmed while demanding $4 million in cryptocurrency for her release.
A second note, sent Feb. 6, claimed that Guthrie had died soon after being kidnapped. Investigators said the notes displayed a distinctive writing style and asked the public to report anyone who recognized the patterns. The release of the notes generated additional tips, but authorities have not announced that they led to an identified suspect.
Public appeal and unresolved questions
The investigation continues to focus on identifying whoever entered Guthrie’s home, determining what happened after her disappearance and assessing the reliability of all communications connected to the case. The possible new note is therefore being reviewed alongside the earlier notes, surveillance images and information submitted by the public.
Anyone with information can contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or provide an anonymous tip to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-88-CRIME. Authorities have not said that the possible new note changes the established timeline or confirms that a new ransom demand is genuine.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Authorities are reviewing a possible new ransom note. |
| 2 | Officials said social media comments about the note are also being assessed. |
| 3 | A law enforcement source said no new note is being treated as credible. |
| 4 | Two earlier ransom notes included a $4 million cryptocurrency demand and a later claim of death. |
| 5 | Investigators continue seeking information about the disappearance and a masked figure seen on doorbell video. |
Summary
Authorities are examining a possible new ransom note in the ongoing investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, but have not confirmed its authenticity. The case remains centered on the reported abduction from her Tucson home, two earlier ransom notes and efforts to identify the person captured on doorbell footage. Investigators continue to ask the public for credible information while cautioning that online speculation does not establish a verified development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are authorities doing with the possible new ransom note?
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI task force are assessing the information and reviewing social media comments to determine whether the note is credible.
What did the earlier ransom notes say?
The first note, sent Feb. 2, said Nancy Guthrie was unharmed and demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency. A second note, sent Feb. 6, claimed she had died.
Where can people submit information?
Information can be provided to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. Anonymous tips can be submitted to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-88-CRIME.