CMC News

#TMZ Receives Bitcoin Ransom Note in Guthrie Case

TMZ has received an alleged $BTC ransom note connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie. The Pima County Sheriff's Office said it is reviewing all tips and coordinating with the FBI as authorities treat the case as a suspected abduction.

The note reportedly demands a large #Bitcoin payment for Guthrie's release and includes a deadline with an implied threat. TMZ founder Harvey Levin said during TMZ Live that the outlet called the sheriff's department multiple times and passed the email to detectives, adding they do not know if the note is legitimate.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on Jan. 31 at her Catalina Foothills, Arizona, home. Authorities initially classified her as a missing vulnerable adult due to her age before announcing on Feb. 2 that the case was being treated as a possible kidnapping after finding concerning evidence inside the home. Levin noted that media outlets receiving these ransoms happens from time to time.

Law enforcement has not confirmed whether the ransom note came from actual kidnappers or represents a hoax to steal Bitcoin. The Pima County Sheriff's Office declined further comment when contacted by Decrypt but pointed to a social media statement. The office wrote on X that it is aware of reports about possible ransom notes and takes all tips seriously, with everything going directly to detectives coordinating with the FBI.

TMZ executive producer Charles Latibeaudiere said the messaging included a real $BTC address that has been confirmed as legitimate. The note also described what Guthrie wore at the time and mentioned a damaged item in the house. Decrypt reached out to TMZ to confirm the address's authenticity and to representatives for Savannah Guthrie, but did not receive immediate responses.