Expert Says Ransom Note Indicates Abductor Knows Tucson Area Well

Border security expert Art Del Cueto says details in the note suggest the perpetrator is familiar with the local terrain.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 5:39am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

According to border security expert Art Del Cueto, the ransom note in the case of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie contains details that indicate the person behind it knows the Tucson, Arizona area well. Del Cueto said on Fox News that the note includes "detailed things" about the local terrain that would raise suspicions. Guthrie, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson on Saturday.

Why it matters

The specificity of the details in the ransom note is an important clue for law enforcement as they investigate Guthrie's disappearance. The Tucson area where she lives is known for its hilly desert terrain, and the note's references to this could indicate the perpetrator has intimate knowledge of the local geography, which could help authorities narrow down potential suspects.

The details

According to Del Cueto, the ransom note contains "detailed things" about the local area and terrain that would raise suspicions. Guthrie's home is located near hilly desert terrain, and this detail has already prompted speculation. Del Cueto said the note's specificity is why law enforcement is "being somewhat quiet" as they investigate, wanting to see what other evidence can "pan out" and potentially lead to an arrest.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona on Saturday.
  • On Friday, the fifth day since Guthrie's disappearance, the Arizona news outlet KOLD reported that it had received a note from the alleged abductor.

The players

Art Del Cueto

A border security expert who commented on the ransom note in the Nancy Guthrie case on Fox News.

Nancy Guthrie

The 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie who has been missing for several days.

Savannah Guthrie

The host of the Today show and daughter of Nancy Guthrie.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who has said the matter is being treated as a criminal investigation.

Heith Janke

The special agent in charge of the FBI Phoenix division who said the agency is aware of the ransom letter.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“There's certain things in that note that when you do see it, you understand that they are very familiar with the area, they're familiar with the terrain, there's some detailed things in the note that would raise your suspicion.”

— Art Del Cueto, Border security expert (Fox News)

“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him. Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Today show host (Instagram)

“I spoke with Savannah Guthrie, and let her know that I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY. We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely. The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY! PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP.”

— Donald Trump, President (Truth Social)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the alleged abductor out on bail.

The takeaway

The specificity of details in the ransom note suggests the perpetrator has an intimate knowledge of the Tucson area, which could be a crucial clue for law enforcement as they work to locate Nancy Guthrie and identify the person responsible for her disappearance.