The sheriff in the Nancy Guthrie case said he didn't have a note indicating she was dead. But he did.

August 3, 2026 / 1:12 PM EDT / CBS News

The sheriff in the Nancy Guthrie case said he didn't have a note indicating she was dead. But he did.

TL;DR

  • Two ransom notes in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case were released by the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
  • One note states Nancy Guthrie "perished shortly after she was taken" due to apparent heart issues.
  • Sheriff Chris Nanos had previously stated he had no indication Guthrie was dead.
  • The first note demanded a $4 million ransom in bitcoin, while the second dropped the demand.
  • The notes were sent to a local CBS affiliate via email addresses that appeared fabricated.
  • Releasing the notes is intended to prompt new tips, although some experts question the timing and strategy.
  • Savannah Guthrie urged the public to come forward, particularly if they recognize the writing in the notes.
  • The FBI and the Guthrie family have offered substantial rewards for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's location or the arrest of those involved.