Fourth Ransom Demand in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case Sent to TMZ
Tucson, Arizona – TMZ has received a fourth communication from an individual claiming to have information regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s “Today” display. The sender is demanding $50,000 in Bitcoin in exchange for details about the alleged kidnapping.
According to TMZ, the latest email, received on February 16, 2026, contains the same Bitcoin account as the previous three messages. The sender claims to have witnessed Nancy Guthrie “south of the border” five days prior and alleges she was with her abductor. The individual stated they were “told to shut up” about what they saw.
The sender, who has previously expressed distrust of law enforcement, is reportedly seeking to avoid arrest while attempting to claim the $100,000 reward offered by the FBI for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. They are using TMZ as an intermediary, hoping the outlet will forward the information to the FBI, creating a record of their contribution.
“If they locate her, and they find the kidnapper, then at least there is evidence given that we have it, that you’re the one who provided the information,” Harvey Levin, founder of TMZ, stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “So this is a way for you to acquire that money if this really is legitimate.”
Previous demands included requests for one Bitcoin and $50,000 in Bitcoin. As of February 16, 2026, one Bitcoin is valued at nearly $68,000, according to binance.com.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, 2026, after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson. Authorities believe she was taken against her will and is without necessary medication. Evidence collected at the scene included blood drops on her porch.
The FBI is urging anyone with information to contact its hotline at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has also established a tipline and an online form for submitting tips.
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