Ransom Note Demands $6M for Release of Nancy Guthrie

Deadline looms as 84-year-old's health concerns grow

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A ransom note demanding $6 million in bitcoin by 5 p.m. Monday has been sent to the family of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who was abducted from her Tucson home nine days ago. Guthrie's daughter, 'Today' show anchor Savannah Guthrie, has pleaded for her mother's safe return, saying the family will pay the ransom. Officials say the note appears credible as it includes details about Guthrie's home, but no suspect has been named yet.

Why it matters

The abduction of Nancy Guthrie, a woman in her 80s with serious health issues, has gripped the nation. Her family's public pleas for her safe return and willingness to pay the ransom highlight the desperation of the situation, while the looming deadline adds to the urgency. This case raises concerns about the vulnerability of the elderly and the growing threat of high-stakes ransom demands.

The details

According to sources, the ransom note included specific details about Guthrie's home, such as a damaged piece of property and the placement of an accessory, suggesting the note is credible. The note demanded $6 million in bitcoin by 5 p.m. on Monday in exchange for Guthrie's release. Guthrie was last seen by her family just after 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, and her doorbell camera and pacemaker app disconnected in the early hours of Sunday morning, indicating when she was likely abducted. Guthrie's family has said she requires essential medication to survive and is in constant pain without it.

  • Guthrie was last seen by her family just after 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
  • At 1:47 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2026, Guthrie's doorbell camera disconnected.
  • At 2:12 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2026, a person or animal was detected on one of Guthrie's home cameras.
  • At 2:28 a.m. on Sunday, February 2, 2026, Guthrie's pacemaker app showed a disconnect from her phone.
  • The initial ransom note had a deadline of 5 p.m. last Thursday, and the second demand had a Monday, February 10, 2026 deadline.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who was abducted from her Tucson home nine days ago. Guthrie has serious health issues and requires essential medication to survive.

Savannah Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie's daughter and a 'Today' show anchor, who has pleaded for her mother's safe return and said the family will pay the ransom.

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What they’re saying

“We received your message, and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Daughter of Nancy Guthrie (Social media)

“They went to great lengths in sending this email to us in making sure that it stays anonymous. It is a carefully crafted letter, and this is not something that somebody threw together in five minutes.”

— Harvey Levin, Founder of TMZ (CNN)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Monday whether to allow the ransom payment to be made in exchange for Nancy Guthrie's safe return.

The takeaway

This high-profile abduction case highlights the growing threat of sophisticated ransom demands targeting the elderly and vulnerable, raising concerns about the need for enhanced security measures and support systems to protect those at risk.