Nancy Guthrie, an elderly 84-year-old woman, vanished overnight in Arizona, triggering a high-stakes investigation with alleged crypto demands.
She is the mother of popular NBC journalist and TODAY show host Savannah Guthrie. Authorities believe she was likely taken from her home after a violent encounter.
Blood at the Doorstep Turns Missing Case Criminal
Investigators found blood spatter at the entrance of her residence in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson, Arizona. Forensic testing confirmed the blood belonged to Nancy Guthrie, according to law enforcement.
As a result, what began as a missing-person report has escalated into a suspected kidnapping investigation.
Nancy Guthrie lived a private, low-profile life and was not a public figure. She became nationally known only because of her daughter’s role as a senior anchor on NBC’s Today.
Family members last saw her on the evening of January 31 after dropping her home. She failed to attend church the next morning, raising immediate concern.
Her phone, wallet, car, and medication were all left behind.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the FBI, is leading the investigation.
Deputies also discovered that her doorbell camera had been removed or disabled, reinforcing concerns that she did not leave voluntarily.
So far, authorities have named no suspects and confirmed no proof of life.
Bitcoin Ransom Claims Add a Crypto Twist
The case took a darker turn after multiple alleged ransom communications surfaced, some referencing Bitcoin payments.
Media reports describe a purported ransom note demanding “millions of dollars’ worth of Bitcoin”, complete with deadlines and a wallet address.
However, police have not confirmed the authenticity of any ransom demand or verified that it came from whoever took her.
Crucially, investigators stress that no confirmed captor has made direct contact with the family.
Fake Bitcoin Extortion Attempt Clouds the Case
Separately, authorities arrested Derrick Callella, a California man accused of sending fraudulent Bitcoin-related messages to members of the Guthrie family.
Law enforcement says Callella is not connected to the kidnapping and acted independently, highlighting the rise of opportunistic crypto scams during high-profile cases.
Investigation Ongoing, Answers Still Missing
Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from broadcasting duties as the search continues.
For now, investigators say the focus remains on locating Nancy Guthrie and determining who took her, how, and why—with the Bitcoin angle still unverified and under review.
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