The FBI continues to be evaluating some ransom notes referring to the February disappearance of Nancy Guthrie as probably “respectable,” whereas others have been discounted as “extortion makes an attempt,” the company stated in a Wednesday replace.
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“This case continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case,” the FBI Phoenix workplace stated in a put up on X, noting that regulation enforcement had acquired “a number of ransom notes over the course of this investigation.”
Guthrie, the 84-year-old mom of the “TODAY” present co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported lacking from her residence close to Tucson, Arizona, on Feb. 1. She was final seen the earlier evening round 9:45 p.m., in line with Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
Ten days after Guthrie was reported lacking, the FBI launched chilling doorbell digital camera photos of an armed and masked man exterior her residence on the morning of her disappearance. The FBI has since described that man as a suspect.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Division can be investigating the case and stated in a Wednesday assertion that it had “acquired data concerning potential ransom notes associated to the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie” all through its investigation.
“Each tip and lead is taken critically and is forwarded on to our detectives, who proceed to work in coordination with the FBI,” the assertion stated.
The FBI assertion rebuts a Tuesday report from Reuters concerning the notes, citing an unnamed FBI official.
Whereas the FBI didn’t specify what number of ransom notes had been acquired, NBC Information has beforehand reported that investigators concerned within the case have examined two notes despatched to media retailers within the wake of Guthrie’s disappearance.
The primary notice stated Guthrie was protected and requested cryptocurrency in trade for her launch. The second notice despatched to media retailers appeared to point that she had died, three individuals accustomed to the matter beforehand instructed NBC Information.
After the second notice was despatched, Savannah Guthrie addressed her mom’s doable kidnapping in an Instagram video, saying the household would “pay” for her return.
Final week, she made one other plea on air stating that her household is “in agony. We can’t be at peace,” over her mom’s disappearance.
“We’re begging in your assist,” the host stated. “Please, if you happen to’re watching, irrespective of how small, the reward is there. You may inform us; it may be nameless.”
“We love our mother, and we’ll by no means cease in search of her, ever.”
