FBI believes ransom note in Nancy Guthrie disappearance could come from kidnapper

The FBI has confirmed to news outlets that they believe a ransom note related to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie did actually come from the alleged kidnapper, the outlets reported Monday.

TMZ reported that the bureau confirmed a ransom note that demanded millions of dollars was in fact from the kidnapper and CNN reported that a second note claimed Guthrie died shortly after the kidnapping but that her death was not intentional. It was not immediately clear if the second note is believed to be authentic.

TMZ said it did not receive a second note claiming the 84-year-old was dead, but did receive one that urged the outlet to send a Bitcoin immediately because "time is of the essence," and then claimed time was "not" of the essence the next day.

Authorities are still searching for Guthrie, who was reported missing around noon Feb. 1 after she did not show up for virtual church services. She was last seen the previous night after having dinner at her daughter's home in Tucson.

Shortly after Guthrie's disappearance, ransom notes were sent to news outlets that the bureau deemed credible. The first requested Bitcoin or cryptocurrency in exchange for Guthrie, who is the mother of "TODAY" show host Savannah Guthrie.

"We received your message and we understand," Savannah Guthrie said in a social media video on Feb. 7. "We beg you now to return our mother to us. ... . This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."

Details of the notes were not immediately clear because the outlets agreed to a request from law enforcement and the family to hold off on reporting the contents so future communications with the kidnapper or kidnappers could be authenticated.

The revelation comes as the bureau and local law enforcement continue their search for Guthrie. Anyone who has tips or information about the case is encouraged to call the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.