Calif. Man Pleads Guilty to Sending Fake Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note

The FBI assessment covers two ransom notes reported in early February, days after Guthrie disappeared, and a third, more recent message from someone claiming to know the kidnappers’ identities.

“None of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine,” the FBI official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss details of the active investigation.

Officials from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, who are leading the investigation with FBI assistance, have not publicly detailed the contents of all notes.

However, sources familiar with the case previously revealed that the first note demanded millions in bitcoin for Guthrie’s safe return.

A second note reportedly claimed she had died, with the apparent abductors apologizing and stating they did not mean for her to die.

A third note, sent to TMZ in late June, claimed to have video evidence of the abduction.

The FBI Phoenix Field Office later issued a statement clarifying that while some notes appear to be extortion attempts, others “may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such.”

The agency emphasized, “This case continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case.”

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, after her daughter Savannah dropped her off at home following a family dinner.