As the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie stretches into its second week, investigators are zeroing in on a small but potentially significant detail in the ransom note that may offer new insight into who is behind her disappearance — and where they may be operating from.
According to law enforcement experts, the authors of the ransom note may have inadvertently suggested they are operating outside the United States by specifying that the multimillion-dollar ransom be paid in U.S. dollars. While that may sound insignificant at first glance, former FBI officials say it stands out precisely because it’s unnecessary for someone inside the country.
“Why would you use that if you’re a domestic person? That points to somebody who might be potentially outside the country, which also lends the potential for this being a scam,” former FBI agent Michael Harrigan told the New York Post.
“If you’re domestic, why would you ever put ‘USD?’ You put six million,” Harrigan added.
The ransom note demanded payment in Bitcoin but explicitly stated the amount in U.S. dollars, setting two deadlines. The first deadline was 5 p.m. Mountain Time on Thursday, with the ransom increasing if payment was delayed until a second deadline on Monday.
Since the note was first sent to multiple news outlets last week, neither the sender nor anyone claiming to be involved has contacted law enforcement or the Guthrie family directly. Investigators are still working to determine whether the ransom notes are genuine.
At this stage, authorities have identified no suspects, no persons of interest, and no suspect vehicles connected to Nancy’s disappearance.
“Detectives and agents continue to conduct follow-up at multiple locations. Details of that follow-up are not being released at this time,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement on Sunday.
The Nancy Guthrie investigation is ongoing. Follow-up continues at multiple locations. No suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles have been identified. No scheduled press briefings. If any significant developments occur in the case, a press conference will be called.
— Pima County Sheriff's Department (@PimaSheriff) February 8, 2026
It has now been eight days since Nancy vanished on January 31, and the latest ransom deadline passed last night. The uncertainty has been agonizing for her family, who have publicly pleaded for her safe return.
On Saturday, Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie appeared in a video alongside her siblings Camron and Annie, addressing the person or people believed to be responsible for their mother’s disappearance.
“We received your message and we understand,” Savannah Guthrie said. “We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her.
“This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay,” she added.
The family has made clear they are willing to pay the demanded ransom for Nancy’s return. Billboards have also been placed in high-traffic areas in states surrounding Arizona to aid in the search for the grandmother.
Not all law enforcement experts are convinced the case is a straightforward kidnapping. Former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker expressed skepticism during an appearance on Fox News’ The Big Weekend Show.
“I’m very skeptical of this,” Swecker said. “Is this really a kidnapping? Does somebody really have her, and is she really alive?”
Meanwhile, investigative activity has continued close to home. Police were seen leaving Annie Guthrie’s residence in Tucson late Saturday night, wearing gloves and carrying brown bags after nearly three hours inside the home, according to reports from NewsNation and the New York Post. Photo flashes were visible through shaded windows during the search.
At the family’s request, authorities have also increased security at Nancy Guthrie’s home.
“At the request of the Guthrie family, PCSD will maintain a presence at Nancy Guthrie’s residence for security,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement posted to X. “Media & the public are reminded to follow all traffic & private property laws.”
“No trespassing is allowed on the Guthrie property,” the statement added. “Violations are subject to enforcement.”
As investigators pursue every possible lead, Nancy Guthrie’s family — and the public — continue to hope for answers, clarity, and above all, her safe return.
At the request of the Guthrie family, PCSD will maintain a presence at Nancy Guthrie’s residence for security. Media & the public are reminded to follow all traffic & private property laws. No trespassing is allowed on the Guthrie property. Violations are subject to enforcement.
— Pima County Sheriff's Department (@PimaSheriff) February 8, 2026
