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Authorities in Arizona have released two ransom notes in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, in hopes that someone will recognize the writer's distinctive style. The Pima County Sheriff's Department posted copies of the notes online on Friday, six months after Guthrie vanished from her home outside Tucson on February 1.
The first note, sent the day after Guthrie was reported missing, demanded $US4 million in cryptocurrency for her safe return. The second note, received several days later, stated that Guthrie died shortly after she was kidnapped, with the kidnappers claiming it was due to a heart-related issue.
Coverage Comparison
Both ABC Australia and the Jerusalem Post reported on the release of the ransom notes, with ABC Australia focusing on the authorities' appeal for help in recognizing the writer's style, while the Jerusalem Post emphasized the renewed investigation and included additional details about surveillance footage and DNA evidence.
ABC Australia reported that the sheriff's department said the notes reveal a distinctive pattern of word choices and provide insight into the writer's mindset. The department appealed to the public, saying that someone who knows the notes' writer may recognize the patterns. The Jerusalem Post added that investigators also renewed efforts to identify a masked prowler caught on video by Guthrie's doorbell camera and noted that DNA tests confirmed blood found on the front porch of her home was hers.
Both sources reported that the notes were initially sent to a Tucson television station and later turned over to authorities. The full texts had not been previously disclosed, according to the Jerusalem Post, which noted that the notes had been widely reported in the media since early in the investigation.
Key Claims
The first ransom note, dated February 2, demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency (or bitcoin, as the Jerusalem Post specified) within a set deadline, with the ransom amount increasing if the deadline was missed. The note warned that if the demands were not met, Guthrie would be killed. It read, "Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands," and included details meant to authenticate it, such as mentioning that Guthrie's wristwatch had been left on the floor at the foot of her bed.
The second note, received on February 6 and addressed to the "Guthrie Family," stated that Guthrie died shortly after she was taken. "We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition," the note began, according to the Jerusalem Post. It continued, "She is buried in nature now," and ended with an apology: "We are truly sorry."
Savannah Guthrie made an emotional appeal to her mother's kidnappers, asking them to "do the right thing" and reveal Nancy's location, as reported by both ABC Australia and the Jerusalem Post.
The search for Nancy Guthrie has involved thousands of law enforcement officers and volunteers, according to ABC Australia, but no sign of her has been found. The sheriff's department said it has not stated whether Guthrie is still alive.
Investigators released the notes in hopes that the linguistic characteristics may be recognizable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes' writer, as reported by ABC Australia. The sheriff's department also appealed to people who may have information, acknowledging that it may be difficult to come forward due to personal relationships or safety concerns.
Perspectives
Pima County Sheriff's Department
The sheriff's department released the notes to seek public help in identifying the writer, citing distinctive linguistic characteristics.
Savannah Guthrie and family
Savannah Guthrie has appealed directly to the kidnappers to "do the right thing" and reveal her mother's location.
Kidnappers (as expressed in the notes)
In the second note, the kidnappers claim Guthrie died shortly after her abduction due to a heart-related issue, expressing apology and stating that nothing could have changed the outcome.