Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case Deepens as Bitcoin Activity and New Ransom Note Point to Tucson Lead

The abduction of Nancy Guthrie has escalated into a high-profile and increasingly complex investigation, with new developments emerging almost daily. The case came to light on February 1, 2026, when a missing person report was filed, prompting an intensive search operation by law enforcement agencies. Soon after, investigators confirmed receiving two ransom notes demanding cryptocurrency in exchange for Nancy’s safe return.

According to officials, the initial ransom demand sought USD 4 million in Bitcoin, with a deadline of February 5, 2026. When that deadline passed, a second note followed, increasing the demand to USD 6 million and extending the deadline to February 9, 2026. Both messages promised that Nancy would be released within 12 hours of payment.

Amid the unfolding investigation, the FBI released an image of a masked individual believed to be connected to the abduction. Reports later indicated that a person of interest seen in the image had been detained. Around the same time, investigators reportedly observed the first activity linked to the Bitcoin wallet mentioned in the ransom demands, which allegedly offered clues about the suspect’s location.

Is Nancy Guthrie’s Abductor Based in Tucson?

As per a report by TMZ, law enforcement sources believe the individual behind the kidnapping may be based in Tucson. The suspicion reportedly stems from details contained in the ransom notes. The first note was sent to two Tucson-based television stations as well as TMZ, while the second was delivered to another local Tucson outlet. Authorities believe this pattern suggests that the sender has strong familiarity with the area and its local media landscape.

Investigators also suspect that the abductor may be operating within a 700-mile radius of Nancy Guthrie’s home, further reinforcing the possibility that the individual resides in or around Tucson.

Third Note Demands Bitcoin for Information

In a new twist, a separate individual has now entered the case. After an earlier detention linked to the first ransom note, a third message reportedly surfaced—this time from someone claiming not to be the abductor but to possess information about the crime. According to TMZ, this new note demands USD 1 million in Bitcoin in exchange for revealing the identity of the person responsible.

The message reportedly stated:
“If they want the name of the individual involved, then I want 1 Bitcoin to the following wallet. Time is more than relevant.”

The sender claimed to have attempted to contact Savannah Guthrie, Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie but said those efforts were unsuccessful. Authorities noted that the Bitcoin wallet address linked to this message is different from the ones used in the earlier ransom demands, and the credibility of the claim has not yet been verified.

Law enforcement officials have taken custody of the latest note and confirmed that it will be examined as part of the ongoing investigation. Earlier, the FBI announced a reward of USD 50,000 for information leading to meaningful progress in the case. Savannah Guthrie has also publicly appealed for help, urging anyone with credible information to come forward, describing the family’s situation as one of extreme urgency and desperation.

The search for Nancy Guthrie continues as investigators pursue all leads tied to the ransom notes, Bitcoin transactions and emerging suspects.