Ransom Demand Emerges in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping

FBI expands search for 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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TMZ has reported receiving a "highly sophisticated" ransom note as the search for Nancy Guthrie expands internationally to Mexico. The FBI has reportedly asked law enforcement officials in Mexico to join the search for Guthrie, who went missing three weeks ago from her Tucson home. Authorities have released video and images of a suspect who was at her home overnight between Jan. 31 and Feb. 1, when investigators believe Guthrie was kidnapped. TMZ has received multiple ransom notes over the last several weeks, including a new one involving a cryptocurrency demand similar to the previous $6 million request.

Why it matters

The kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of a prominent TV personality, has garnered national attention and raised concerns about the safety of elderly individuals. The involvement of international law enforcement and the use of sophisticated ransom tactics suggest this may be a complex and high-profile case.

The details

According to reports, the FBI has expanded its search for Nancy Guthrie south of the U.S. border into Mexico, where authorities believe she may have been taken. Investigators have released video and images of a suspect who was at Guthrie's Tucson home on the night they believe she was kidnapped. TMZ has received multiple ransom notes, including a new one that involves a cryptocurrency demand similar to a previous $6 million request.

  • Nancy Guthrie went missing from her Tucson home on January 31 or February 1, 2026.
  • The FBI has been searching for Guthrie for the past three weeks.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who is the mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the 'Today' show, whose mother Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped.

FBI

The federal law enforcement agency that is leading the search for Nancy Guthrie and has expanded the investigation to Mexico.

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What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of sophisticated kidnapping and ransom tactics targeting vulnerable individuals, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in responding to these complex, high-profile cases that can cross international borders.