- Police have released the full contents of a ransom note and a follow-up letter related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, hoping someone will recognize the distinctive writing patterns.
- The ransom note, sent a day after her disappearance, demanded $4 million in Bitcoin for her release, stating that she was 'safe but scared'.
- The follow-up note, sent on February 6, claimed that Nancy Guthrie had died shortly after her abduction, stating, 'She perished shortly after she was taken.'
- Investigators are urging the public to examine the linguistic patterns of the notes, which may reveal the writer's unique style that could be recognized by someone who knows them.
- Authorities have stated that the investigation remains active and they cannot verify the authenticity of the notes, which 'purport to have been written by kidnappers.'
Nearly six months after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, police have released ransom notes that may provide crucial leads.1
The first note, sent on February 2, demanded $4 million in Bitcoin for her release, stating, “If payment is not received by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed.”2
The second note, sent on February 6, claimed that Guthrie had died shortly after her abduction, stating, “We never intended to hurt her... She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related.”
Authorities are urging the public to analyze the notes for distinctive linguistic patterns that could help identify the writer, as they believe someone familiar with the author may recognize their style.
The sheriff's department noted, “Relationships and loyalties change over time,” encouraging anyone with information to come forward.
Guthrie, 84, was last seen on January 31, and investigators are pursuing forensic leads, including DNA evidence from her home, but have yet to identify a suspect.
Savannah Guthrie has publicly pleaded for her mother's return, stating, “We beg you now to return our mother to us... This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
The investigation remains active, with authorities acknowledging the emotional toll on the family as they continue to seek answers.
“The first note demanded $4 million in bitcoin and threatened Nancy would be killed if payment was not received by Feb. 9; the second told the family she died and was buried in nature. Authorities earlier released images of a masked and armed suspect who covered the front door camera at Guthrie's home.”
Rolling Stone
BBC
