Phoenix, Arizona — The FBI has provided an important update in the ongoing disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, confirming that while some ransom notes linked to the case were fraudulent extortion attempts, others remain under active investigation and have not been ruled out as legitimate.

The update, released by the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office on July 1, 2026, comes nearly five months after Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Arizona home. She was last seen during the early morning hours of February 1, 2026, leaving behind both her cellphone and essential medications. Her unexplained disappearance prompted a large-scale search involving local law enforcement and federal investigators.

According to the FBI, several ransom messages have been sent to media organizations, including a CNN affiliate and TMZ. While some demanded millions of dollars for Nancy’s release, others claimed she had died shortly after being abducted. Throughout the investigation, Savannah Guthrie and her family have endured the emotional strain of receiving these conflicting and often disturbing communications while continuing to hope for Nancy’s safe return.

In a statement posted on X, the FBI Phoenix office clarified:

“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 investigated as a kidnapping for ransom. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department remains the lead investigative agency, with the FBI providing ongoing ᴀssistance.

Local authorities echoed the FBI’s position, stressing that every tip, lead, and communication is being carefully evaluated by detectives working alongside federal investigators.

The latest update also challenges an earlier Reuters report that suggested all ransom-related messages had been determined to be fake. Investigators explained that many details surrounding the communications had intentionally been withheld at the request of both law enforcement and the Guthrie family in an effort to preserve the integrity of the investigation and verify any future contact from potential kidnappers.

The uncertainty surrounding the ransom notes has added another painful chapter for the Guthrie family. Savannah Guthrie has repeatedly appealed to the public through social media and during broadcasts of NBC’s Today, urging anyone with information to come forward.

In one emotional plea, she said:

“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 has also spoken publicly about the messages received by the outlet, clarifying that some of the communications were clearly fraudulent while confirming that the family has faced repeated extortion attempts over the past several months.

As of July 3, 2026, Nancy Guthrie remains missing. Federal and local authorities continue urging anyone with information to contact investigators. No arrests have been announced in connection with Nancy’s disappearance, although officials are actively pursuing those responsible for sending the fraudulent ransom demands.

The case has attracted nationwide attention, underscoring both the vulnerability of elderly victims and the devastating emotional impact on families forced to endure not only the disappearance of a loved one, but also the exploitation of their tragedy by opportunistic extortionists.

Source: CNN