The Pima County Sheriff's Department has released two ransom notes received by local media in Tucson, Arizona, shortly after Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her Tucson-area home on February 1, 2026. The 84-year-old remains missing six months later.

The redacted notes were addressed to Savannah Guthrie and the Guthrie family, with the first sent to CBS Tucson affiliate KOLD-TV on February 2, 2026. Savannah Guthrie acknowledged receipt of the messages, stating, "We received your message and we understand."

In a press release on July 31, 2026, the sheriff's department highlighted that the communications reveal "distinctive patterns of word choice, syntax, and phraseology that reflect the writer's unique linguistic style." They believe these characteristics may be recognizable to someone familiar with the notes' author and could provide insight into the person's mindset, motives, and the evolution of their tone over time.

Authorities are calling on the public to assist in identifying the writer of the ransom notes as the investigation continues.

Sources