The Pima County Sheriff’s Office is treating three similar ransom notes received by media outlets as potential evidence in the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Investigators are also examining a pacemaker transmission that last connected to her iPhone around 2 a.m. Sunday, which may help establish a timeline. Authorities reported blood and signs of forced entry at the Tucson home, collected DNA samples, and are coordinating with the FBI while urging the public not to spread unverified accusations. Anyone with information should call the Pima County tip line at 520-351-4900.
Ransom Notes and Pacemaker Signal: New Leads in Disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos speaks to reporters Tuesday in Tucson about the search for Nancy Guthrie. - Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images
Investigators in Pima County are treating multiple recent leads — including purported ransom notes sent to media outlets and a pacemaker signal from the missing woman’s device — as possible evidence in the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC co-anchor Savannah Guthrie.
Ransom Notes Under Review
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed the department has received three similar notes sent to local and national media and is treating them as potential evidence while investigators verify their authenticity. Several outlets, including TMZ and Tucson television affiliates KOLD and KGUN, reported the notes demanded millions in bitcoin and referenced details allegedly observed inside Guthrie’s home. Sheriff Nanos emphasized that any incoming information is handled as a lead and turned over to detectives and federal partners.
Pacemaker Signal Could Narrow Timeline
A source briefed on the probe told CNN that Guthrie’s pacemaker last transmitted data to her iPhone around 2 a.m. on Sunday; law enforcement says the phone was left inside the Tucson-area residence. Because some modern pacemakers relay data to a nearby phone via Bluetooth, that last transmission may help investigators establish when Guthrie was last at the home. Details about the specific pacemaker model have not been released.
Law enforcement officers are present outside the home of Nancy Guthrie on Monday. - Sejal Govindarao/AP
What Officers Found at the Home
Authorities have disclosed limited scene details. The Los Angeles Times reported that blood was found inside the single-story home, while The Associated Press cited a source saying there were signs of forced entry. The sheriff's office has collected DNA samples from the residence; testing has not yet identified any suspects. Investigators are also reviewing a reported trespass near the property on January 4 and are examining other nearby cases as part of the inquiry.
Investigation Status and Public Appeal
Sheriff Nanos has repeatedly pushed back on media speculation that a suspect has already been identified and urged the public not to spread unverified accusations. The department said it is speaking with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie and is coordinating tips with the FBI. Officials stressed time is critical because Guthrie has limited mobility, requires daily medication, and missing doses could be life-threatening. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department tip line at 520-351-4900.
Family Impact and Response
Savannah Guthrie rushed to Tucson after her mother’s disappearance and will not travel to Milan to host NBC’s Winter Olympics opening-ceremony coverage; NBC adjusted its broadcast lineup accordingly. The family has been working with law enforcement and has regained control of the property. Public figures, including the president, reportedly reached out to offer support and federal assistance if needed.
Note: Investigators continue to evaluate every lead. Many details remain unconfirmed by authorities as the inquiry remains active.
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