Everything we know about Nancy Guthrie's potential ransom notes as sheriff says she was abducted

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TMZ's Harvey Levin describes 'structured' Nancy Guthrie ransom note

TMZ founder Harvey Levin shares details about the alleged ransom note and comments on how it was structured following the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie on 'Hannity.'

TUCSON, Ariz. – News outlets have received potential ransom notes relating to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, according to authorities, the contents of which have not yet been fully released.

Notes received by TMZ and local news stations, reportedly contained "sensitive information" that may only have been known to her captors.

TMZ's Harvey Levin spoke with Fox News' Sean Hannity on "Hannity" Thursday night and provided more insight into the alleged ransom note his newsroom received. 

Savannah Guthrie (C) and her siblings Annie (L) and Camron made an emotional plea on Instagram asking anyone with information about their mother Nancy Guthrie's disappearance to come forward on Feb. 4, 2026. (Credit: Instagram/@SavannahGuthrie/Today)

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"The letter begins by saying she is safe, but scared, and they go on to say she knows exactly what the demand is," he said. "… The sheriff's department gave the family the letter we received, exactly what they're demanding, and they're saying that Nancy is aware of it."

He said the contents of the note, which demanded bitcoin, made him believe that the person who wrote it is in the Tucson area. 

"There is a phrase in this email that absolutely makes me believe this person who wrote this, and if they're telling the truth, that Nancy is within a radius of the Tucson area—not in Tucson right now, but in a radius. It could be New Mexico. I don't know how far, but I think at least what the authorities have is they've got a radius, and that's something."

TMZ's Harvey Levin draws a map hinting at the possible location of Nancy Guthrie based on information gleaned from an alleged ransom note.  (Credit TMZ)

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Authorities later confirmed the notes included deadlines, one on Thursday at 5 p.m., and another on Monday.

The Monday deadline reportedly includes a more severe consequence.

Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI's Phoenix field office, said the FBI believes that at least one of the notes is legitimate because it had facts associated with a deadline, along with a request for funds.

He added the ransom notes discussed an Apple Watch and a floodlight, but did not release any other information about their contents.

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The news stations that received the notes reported they included details about items that were damaged inside Guthrie's home, and evidence at the crime scene.

Fox News Digital spotted two possible floodlights outside the home, one of which appeared to be damaged.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the notes shared the same contents. 

An undated photo of Nancy Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie was provided by NBC in response to the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of the "Today" show host. (Courtesy of NBC)

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About 24 hours after the first deadline passed, a third "message" was received.

The Pima County Sheriff's Office said its deputies and the FBI were "actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity."

Details about the contents of the third letter were also kept under wraps.

The Guthrie family released a video Saturday afternoon, in an apparent response to the latest message, telling the potential captors they would make the requested payment.

"We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her," Savannah Guthrie said, seated between her siblings, Camron and Annie. "This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay."

Unlike previously released videos from the family, the latest video did not request proof of life. 

An undated photo of Nancy Guthrie was provided by NBC in response to the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show host, Savannah Guthrie. (Courtesy of NBC)

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Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her Tucson home at around 9:30 p.m. local time Saturday, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

While officials didn't initially elaborate on the circumstances of her disappearance, investigators later revealed they believe she was either kidnapped or abducted.

A law enforcement source told Fox News Digital there were "blood drops" leading from the entryway outside down the house's pathway toward the driveway.

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"Sheriff [Chris] Nanos has stated that he believes that a crime has been committed," a spokesperson for Pima County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital. "At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction."