FBI Identifies 1 Key Clue In Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note

Law enforcement experts say a subtle but telling detail in the ransom notes tied to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie may indicate the authors are operating outside the United States—or that the messages could be part of an elaborate scam.

According to former FBI officials, the demand that the ransom be paid specifically in U.S. dollars raises immediate red flags.

“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,” he added.

The alleged abductors demanded that the multi-million-dollar ransom be paid in Bitcoin but unusually specified the amount in U.S. dollars. The note set two deadlines: an initial cutoff at 5 p.m. MT on Thursday, after which the demanded amount would increase if payment was delayed until a second deadline on Monday.

Despite the threats, the sender has not contacted law enforcement or the Guthrie family since the note was first sent to media outlets last week. Authorities have not verified the authenticity of the messages and say it remains unclear whether the notes are legitimate.

Investigators have not identified any suspects, persons of interest, or suspect vehicles in the case, the Post reported.

“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, Ariz., Sheriff’s Department said Sunday.

Eight days have now passed since Nancy Guthrie disappeared, and another payment deadline outlined in the ransom note is expected later Monday.

Over the weekend, “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie appeared in a video alongside her siblings, Camron and Annie, pleading for their mother’s safe return and offering to meet the ransom demand.

“We received your message and we understand,” 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.

Authorities have expanded search efforts as public concern grows. Billboards have been placed in high-traffic areas in states surrounding Arizona in hopes of generating new leads in the search for the 84-year-old grandmother, who vanished on Jan. 31.

Still, some former federal officials remain highly skeptical that the claims made in the ransom notes are genuine.

“I’m very skeptical of this,” former FBI Assistant Director Chris Swecker said Sunday on Fox News’ “The Big Weekend Show.”

“Is this really a kidnapping? Does somebody really have her, and is she really alive?” he asked.

The comments came after Guthrie and her siblings publicly stated they were prepared to pay up to the $6 million demanded by those claiming to have their mother.

Meanwhile, law enforcement activity intensified around the family. Police were seen leaving the Tucson home of Annie Guthrie on Saturday night, wearing gloves and carrying brown bags as part of a late-night search, according to NewsNation. Flash photography illuminated the residence as authorities spent nearly three hours inside before departing with evidence, the Post reported separately.

The family has also requested increased security at Nancy Guthrie’s residence.

“At the request of the Guthrie family, PCSD will maintain a presence at Nancy Guthrie’s residence for security,” the Pima County 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.”