Alleged Ransom Note for Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Sent to TV Station Included ‘Concerning’ and ‘Very Sensitive Information,’ Says KOLD Anchor

Details are emerging about an alleged ransom email sent to Tucson TV station KOLD News 13 amid the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie.

Nancy was last seen Saturday, Jan. 31. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) began an urgent search on Sunday, Feb. 1. In the days since, reports have circulated about possible ransom messages being delivered to media outlets — including KOLD.

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, KOLD anchor Mary Coleman appeared on CNN’s Erin Burnett Outfront and described what the station received, saying investigators are still working to determine whether the message is legitimate.

“There are a few things that we can share as far as what the contents were,” Coleman said. “A lot of it is information that only someone who is holding her for ransom would know — some very sensitive information and things that people who were there when she was taken captive would know.”

Coleman said the station immediately forwarded the email to the sheriff’s department, and that a detective followed up requesting additional details to help track the message, including efforts to identify an IP address.

She added that the email included a “dollar amount” and a “deadline,” along with “other specifics” that, in her words, “only Guthrie’s abductor might know,” which is what made the message especially alarming.

In a tearful Instagram video posted Feb. 4, Savannah, 54, addressed the reports directly while seated with her siblings, Camron and Annie, pleading for their mother’s safe return.

“We, too, have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” Savannah said. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk.”

“However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated,” she continued. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please, reach out to us.”

No suspect or person of interest has been identified in the investigation, according to a spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, who said on Wednesday, Feb. 4, that detectives are continuing interviews with anyone who may have had contact with Nancy.

“Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie. We are also awaiting additional forensic results,” the spokesperson said.

That same day, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told NBC’s Liz Kreutz: “We have nothing else to go on but the belief that she is here. She’s present. She’s alive, and we want to save her.”

In the Feb. 4 video, Savannah also emphasized her mother’s medical needs and vulnerability.

“She is 84 years old,” Savannah said. “Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.”

“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman,” she added. “Everyone is looking for you mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again… We love you.”