Ransom Notes Received in Case of Missing Arizona Woman

Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC 'Today' host Savannah Guthrie, has been missing for a week as authorities investigate multiple ransom demands.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Authorities in Arizona are investigating multiple ransom notes received by local media outlets related to the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie. The first ransom note included two deadlines, the first of which passed on February 5th with a demand for money to be wired. A second deadline is looming on February 9th, though the specific demands are unclear. The Guthrie family has appealed to the suspected kidnapper in videos, but say they need proof that Nancy is alive before agreeing to any demands.

Why it matters

The case has garnered national attention due to Nancy Guthrie's connection to her famous daughter, Savannah Guthrie, and the concerning nature of her disappearance given her fragile health and reliance on daily medication. The existence of ransom notes adds an additional layer of complexity and urgency to the investigation as authorities race to locate Nancy Guthrie before the next deadline.

The details

Investigators are looking into the authenticity of multiple ransom notes received by local media outlets in Tucson, Arizona. The first note included two deadlines, with the first passing on February 5th and a demand for money to be wired. A second deadline is looming on February 9th, though the specific demands are unclear. The Guthrie family has shared videos appealing to the suspected kidnapper, but say they need proof that Nancy is alive before agreeing to any demands. Authorities have confirmed that the FBI is involved in the investigation and was present when the Guthrie family filmed their first video response.

  • The first ransom note deadline passed at 5 p.m. on February 5th.
  • A second ransom note deadline is looming on February 9th.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old Arizona woman and the mother of NBC 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing for over a week and is the subject of an active ransom investigation.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the NBC 'Today' show and the daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff in Arizona, who has confirmed that his department is taking the ransom notes seriously as part of the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Heith Janke

The FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge, who has provided details about the ransom notes to reporters.

Camron Guthrie

A member of the Guthrie family who has appeared in videos appealing to the suspected kidnapper of Nancy Guthrie.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.