A disturbing new development has surfaced months after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of television host Savannah Guthrie, in a case that has captured international attention.

According to a report published by Air Mail, one of the ransom notes sent after Nancy’s disappearance included a strange and hesitant apology for her alleged accidental death.

Sources familiar with the investigation said the message, received on February 6, carried a “sputtering and laboured” tone that differed noticeably from an earlier ransom note sent from the same IP address.

The sender reportedly suggested the possibility of returning Nancy’s body in exchange for an unspecified amount of money.

Earlier messages had demanded $4 million for the safe return of the 84-year-old woman, who was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1. At the time, the note claimed she was “safe but scared.”

The alleged kidnapper initially ordered the family to transfer the money in Bitcoin by February 5, threatening consequences if the ᴅᴇᴀᴅline was missed. The demand later increased to $6 million if payment was not made by February 9.

Instead of complying, investigators reportedly sent just $152 to the Bitcoin wallet, hoping the suspect would attempt to withdraw the funds and expose their idenтιтy. However, the money was never accessed.

Savannah Guthrie’s representatives did not immediately comment on the latest developments.

The Today show co-host previously discussed the ransom messages during an emotional interview with former colleague Hoda Kotb in March.

“I believe the two notes that we received and responded to were genuine,” Savannah said at the time.

Savannah and her siblings, Camron Guthrie and Annie Guthrie, also posted several videos on Instagram directly addressing the alleged abductor and pleading for their mother’s safe return.

After receiving the February 6 message, Savannah issued another public appeal.

“We received your message and understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so we can celebrate with her,” she said, adding that she was willing to pay the requested ransom.

Later that month, Savannah publicly offered a $1 million reward for information leading to Nancy’s return.

In an emotional message, she acknowledged the painful uncertainty surrounding the case.

“We know that she may be lost. She may already be gone. And if that is the reality, we will accept it, but we need to know where she is. We need her to come home,” she said.

Savannah returned to work at Studio 1A in April while the investigation continued.

Authorities are still searching for the person believed to have abducted Nancy Guthrie, who was captured on security cameras near her residence on the night she disappeared. As the case enters its fifth month, no arrests have been announced and investigators continue to pursue leads.

Note: Some details circulating in media reports remain unverified, and investigators have not publicly confirmed the authenticity of all ransom messages or established Nancy Guthrie’s fate.