Bitcoin Ransom Account Remains Empty as Deadline Approaches for Missing Arizona Woman

Savannah Guthrie's mother Nancy has been missing since February 1, with a $6 million ransom demand unanswered so far.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A bitcoin account allegedly set up to accept a $6 million ransom payment in exchange for the return of Savannah Guthrie's missing mother Nancy remains empty as a Monday 5 PM local time deadline approaches. Savannah and her family responded to the ransom message over the weekend, saying they would pay the demand, but the account has not received any transactions. Investigators are still searching for suspects or persons of interest in the case, and were seen searching a septic tank behind Nancy's Tucson home on Sunday.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, a high-profile TV news anchor's mother, has captured national attention. The alleged ransom demand and lack of payment so far raises concerns about her safety and the ability of authorities to locate her. This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with high-profile kidnapping and ransom situations.

The details

According to reports, a bitcoin account was set up to accept a $6 million ransom payment in exchange for the return of Nancy Guthrie, who was reported missing on February 1 after failing to show up for church. Savannah Guthrie and her family responded to the ransom message over the weekend, saying they would pay the demand. However, as of Monday morning, the confirmed balance in the publicly viewable bitcoin account remained at $0, with no transactions recorded. Investigators are still searching for suspects or persons of interest in the case, and were seen searching a septic tank behind Nancy's Tucson home on Sunday.

  • Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1 after failing to show up for church.
  • The alleged ransom note listed a deadline of last Thursday for the payment, as well as a second deadline of Monday, February 9 at 5 PM local Tucson time.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

The missing mother of Savannah Guthrie, a high-profile TV news anchor.

Savannah Guthrie

The daughter of Nancy Guthrie and a prominent TV news anchor.

Annie

Nancy Guthrie's daughter, who was the last person to see her before her disappearance.

Tommaso Cioni

Annie's husband, who was also the last person to see Nancy Guthrie before her disappearance.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

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What they’re saying

“The investigation is ongoing and we still have no suspects or persons of interest in the case.”

— Pima County Sheriff's Department

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This high-profile kidnapping case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with ransom situations, especially when dealing with digital currencies like bitcoin. The lack of progress and unanswered ransom demand raises serious concerns about the safety and whereabouts of Nancy Guthrie.