TMZ allegedly received a ransom note demanding payment for the release of Nancy Guthrie, “Today” host Savannah Guthrie’s mother.
Harvey Levin and Charles Latibeaudiere appeared on livestream and reported that the alleged note said the release of Nancy was contingent upon the receipt of a significant amount of cryptocurrency to a particular Bitcoin address. A deadline was allegedly issued with the demand, and a degree of “or else” existed in the message. TMZ confirmed that the Bitcoin address is authentic, and noted that the amount requested by the alleged note was in the millions.
Representatives from TMZ reached out to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) and shared the information.
“They say at the bottom, there are certain things they are saying, about what she was wearing, and damage to the house …” Levin said.
“It’s clearly saying … we know what we’re talking about …” Latibeaudiere said.
The PCSD issued a statement on X shortly after TMZ informed their viewers about the alleged note. “We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” the agency wrote.
LATEST: NANCY GUTHRIE https://t.co/bnwTx5VoPM pic.twitter.com/q3pJBoNz2B
— Pima County Sheriff’s Department (@PimaSheriff) February 3, 2026
They continued, “We are taking all tips and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”
Nancy was reported missing Sunday. The 84-year-old is in poor health and require daily medications to survive.
This is a developing story.
Editor’s note: Article’s headline updated for clarification.