Phoenix, Arizona — In a significant update to one of the most high-profile missing persons cases in recent months, the FBI’s Phoenix office has revealed that while some ransom notes connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84, have been deemed illegitimate extortion attempts, other communications are still under active investigation and may be genuine.

The statement, issued on July 1, 2026, comes nearly five months after Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home in Arizona. The elderly woman disappeared in the early morning hours of February 1, 2026, leaving behind her phone and critical medications. Her sudden disappearance triggered an intensive search effort involving local authorities and federal agencies.

According to the FBI, multiple ransom notes were sent to various news outlets, including a CNN affiliate station and TMZ. Some of the notes demanded millions of dollars, while others claimed that Nancy Guthrie had died shortly after being kidnapped. The family, including her daughter Savannah Guthrie — a well-known anchor on NBC’s “Today” show — has been forced to navigate these communications amid their ongoing grief and hope for her safe return.

In its latest post on X, the FBI Phoenix office stated: “Some (of the notes) have been deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy. Other ransom demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such.” The agency emphasized that the case continues to be treated as a kidnapping for ransom, with local authorities in Pima County leading the investigation and the FBI providing support.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department echoed this position, noting that every tip and lead is taken seriously and forwarded to detectives working in coordination with federal investigators.

This update directly rebuts an earlier Reuters report suggesting that all ransom-related messages had been determined to be fake. Authorities had previously kept many details about the notes private at the request of law enforcement and the Guthrie family, in hopes of authenticating any future legitimate communications from potential kidnappers.

The situation has added layers of pain and complexity for the Guthrie family. Savannah Guthrie has made several emotional public appeals, including on her Instagram and during broadcasts of the “Today” show. In one heartfelt message, she urged viewers: “Please, if you’re watching, no matter how small the reward is there, you can tell us. It can be anonymous. We love our mom and we’ll never stop looking for her. Never.”

TMZ founder Harvey Levin also addressed some of the communications the outlet received, clarifying which claims were false and confirming that the family has been contending with apparent extortionists for several months.

As of July 3, 2026, Nancy Guthrie remains missing. The FBI and local law enforcement continue to appeal to the public for any information that could help locate her. No arrests have been announced in connection with the disappearance itself, though authorities are actively pursuing those responsible for the fraudulent ransom demands.

The case has drawn national attention, highlighting the vulnerability of elderly individuals and the emotional toll on high-profile families when extortionists exploit real tragedies.

Source: CNN