Entertainment outlet TMZ received an unverified ransom letter that demands millions in bitcoin for the release of Nancy Guthrie, the missing 84-year-old mother of “The Today Show” host Savannah Guthrie.
TMZ got the note Tuesday morning and reported that it demands the cryptocurrency be sent to a specific Bitcoin address. TMZ verified the Bitcoin address is real. There is a deadline connected to the alleged ransom… in addition to an “element of or else.”
The outlet reports the note also described an item that was damaged at her Tucson-area home in Catalina Hills. TMZ contacted authorities at the Pima County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office posted on X, “We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie.”
At a press conference Tuesday morning, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos didn’t have an update; instead, he went straight to fielding questions.
When asked about blood in the home, which several outlets reported on Tuesday, citing anonymous sources, Nanos said he couldn’t provide verification. Nanos didn’t say whether officials believe Guthrie was targeted or the crime was random.
Officials haven’t reviewed any camera footage yet as the cameras are still being processed. The front camera on Nancy’s house is notably not in the holder anymore — but Nanos said Tuesday he currently has no plan to release the footage even after it has been reviewed.
Authorities also said the crime scene at Nancy’s house has been cleared and turned over to the family. NewsNation showed video Tuesday evening of what appeared to be blood spots on the front steps of Nancy’s home.
Former police captain and Byrna Law Enforcement Director Joshua Schirard said that, in his experience, clearing crime scenes can sometimes take weeks.
“So to clear a crime scene in the matter of 24 hours or less tells me that there’s a little bit more targeted search than they’re letting on,” Schirard said. “Either that or there just is nothing to process there, which is kind of hard to believe at this point. I think that moving forward, we’re going to see that hopefully that they’ve identified at least a person of interest at this point and are trying to verify that with the physical evidence that they found on the scene.”
The scene at Nancy’s home was described by authorities as “concerning.” Still, because of the ongoing investigation, Nanos wouldn’t give any description of what made the house a crime scene.
RELATED: ‘Bring Her Home’: Savannah Guthrie Pleads For Mother’s Return After ‘Abduction’
Officials are still encouraging the public to call in anything suspicious in the area of Catalina Hills from late Saturday into Sunday morning.
Time is of the essence in this investigation as Nancy cannot go more than 24 hours without her medication, per authorities.
The FBI is on site now helping local authorities. Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the FBI in Tucson, John Edwards, said the FBI is doing everything in its power to bring Nancy home. The agency is analyzing cell phone data and cell tower information, assisting with interviews, and providing local authorities with analytical and technical support.
The Sheriff assured reporters at the Tuesday presser that if anything major happens in the case, there will be another media briefing, but the plan is to hold another press conference Thursday.
President Trump commented on the situation in the White House Tuesday, saying, “I think it’s a terrible thing. I always got along very good with Savannah. Very unusual situation, but we’re going to find out.”
