Authorities have released the full contents of the alleged ransom notes sent after Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance from her Arizona home nearly six months ago.
One of the letters — which were sent to Arizona outlet KOLD-13 on Feb. 2 and Feb. 6 — seemingly proves the kidnappers had “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mom, with details about a smartwatch being left behind, and a back floodlight from her home having been smashed.
“Hello Savannah, We have your mother Nancy,” the Feb. 2 note read, adding that the Guthrie matriarch “is safe but scared.”
“She will be held for ransom and once payment is received she will be released unharmed,” it continued.
“We will be holding her for a maximum of 7 days. You will need to send bitcoin in the amount of $4 million USD before 5PM on Thursday the 5th. If payment is not received, the ransom will be increased to 6 million USD which will need to be paid by 5PM on Monday the 9th.”
“Once payment is received to the bitcoin address below she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop off location back in Tucson. If payment is not recieved [sic] by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed,” the note demanded.
“Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible. You will not be able to contact me from here on out, there will be no negotiation. Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you,” it continued, along with a redacted segment.
“She had a white smart watch on the floor of the foot of her bed and the white flood light in backyard was destroyed,” the message concluded.
A second note claimed Nancy, 84, had passed.
“Guthrie Family, We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry,” the Feb. 6 note read.
Identifying information, including the sender’s name and email address, were redacted.
Per ABC News, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released a statement asking the public for help, as the investigation enters its sixth month.
“These communications reveal distinctive patterns of word choice, syntax, and phraseology that reflect the writer’s unique linguistic style,” they noted in a press release on Friday. “They also provide valuable insight into the person’s mindset, motives, and the evolution of their tone over time.”
The department added that they “believe these distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognizable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes’ writer.”
This is a developing story….
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