The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has released one of the ransom notes sent during the investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie in the hope that someone recognizes the writer’s language.
Keep reading to know more.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department have said they are making the letter public because they believe its distinctive wording and writing style could help identify the person responsible.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her home outside Tucson, Arizona, on February 1.
A second letter, released Friday, claimed that Nancy died shortly after she was abducted.
According to CBS News, the letter stated that “she is buried in nature now” and added, “Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome.”
The writer concluded the message by saying, “We are truly sorry.”
Authorities have not confirmed whether Nancy Guthrie is alive, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The first ransom note demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency
The first letter arrived on February 2 and claimed Nancy was alive but frightened.
The sender demanded a $4 million ransom in cryptocurrency in exchange for her safe release, warning that the amount would increase if payment was not made immediately.
The note gave the family 12 hours to pay and threatened Nancy’s life if they failed to comply.
“Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands,” the letter stated.
“It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible.”
Investigators hope someone recognizes the writing style
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department believes the wording, phrasing, and linguistic patterns used in the letters could provide important clues about the sender’s identity.
Investigators are hoping a friend, relative, coworker, or acquaintance recognizes the writing style and contacts authorities.
In a public statement, the sheriff’s department acknowledged that coming forward can be difficult.
“We recognize relationships and loyalties change over time as do people and their perspectives,” the department said.
“It is not too late to come forward.”
Officials noted that similar investigative strategies have worked in previous high-profile cases.
During the FBI’s investigation into Theodore “Ted” Kaczynski, known as the Unabomber, authorities supported publishing his 35,000-word manifesto in 1995.
His brother and sister-in-law recognized his distinctive writing style and anti-technology views, ultimately helping investigators identify him.
Surveillance footage may show someone scouting the property
Investigators have also analyzed surveillance footage collected during the investigation.
According to the sheriff’s office, doorbell camera footage appears to show an unidentified man visiting or scouting the area on two separate occasions before Nancy disappeared.
Authorities are asking members of the public to report anyone who may have suddenly changed their appearance, behaved unusually, unexpectedly left the Tucson area, or displayed an unusual interest in—or avoidance of—the case.
“Investigators continue to pursue every available technological and investigative lead,” the sheriff’s office said.
“Community members remain a vital resource as we seek to provide answers for Nancy’s family.”
Savannah Guthrie’s family has continued pleading for information
Nancy’s family has repeatedly appealed for information through television interviews and social media since her disappearance.
Early in the investigation, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings confirmed they were aware of reports about the ransom letter.
Her brother, Camron Guthrie, said the family had not received direct communication from the abductors.
By February 7, one day after the second letter was reportedly sent, Savannah Guthrie said the family had received a message and “understand,” though she did not provide further details.
In an emotional plea directed at the kidnappers, she said, “We will pay.”
Two former detainees are seeking $3 million
As the investigation continues, two men who were briefly detained and later released have filed legal claims against the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Carlos Alfredo Palazuelos and Daniel Maddow are seeking a combined $3 million, alleging they were wrongfully detained on February 10.
Although both men were released within hours, they claim they have suffered reputational damage after being publicly connected to the high-profile investigation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, led by Sheriff Chris Nanos, has declined to comment on the claims.
The legal filing is a required step before a formal lawsuit can be brought against the government agency.
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