U.S.

Contents of Ransom Notes in Guthrie Case Released

Investigators have disclosed the full contents of two ransom notes related to the Nancy Guthrie case. The FBI continues to treat the case as a kidnapping-for-ransom despite the notes being deemed not credible.

Bluxle Editorial Updated July 31, 2026 2 min read AI-Researched
Image credit: Contents of notes in the Nancy Guthrie case could spark renewed public interest in the search. Here’s what we know - KTVZ / CNN Newsource
Image credit: Contents of notes in the Nancy Guthrie case could spark renewed public interest in the search. Here’s what we know - KTVZ / CNN Newsource
Article Bias Score Neutral
◀ Left Right ▶

Investigators have released the complete contents of two ransom notes in the case of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC ‘Today’ show co-host Savannah Guthrie, who has been missing since February 1, 2026. One note demanded $4 million in bitcoin, while the other stated that Nancy Guthrie had died shortly after being taken and was buried in nature [1][2].

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has determined that three widely reported ransom-related messages, including the two early notes and a third message claiming to know the kidnappers, are not credible [2][3]. Despite this, the FBI continues to treat the disappearance as a kidnapping-for-ransom case [3].

In a related development, Derrick Callella, a 42-year-old man from California, pleaded guilty to federal felony harassment charges for sending fake ransom notes in the case [4].

What Is Known

The release of the ransom notes has confirmed the demands made by the alleged kidnappers, including a demand for $4 million in bitcoin and a claim that Nancy Guthrie had died and was buried [1]. The FBI has assessed all ransom-related messages as not credible, yet maintains the classification of the case as a kidnapping-for-ransom [2][3]. Derrick Callella has admitted to sending fake ransom notes, complicating the investigation [4].

What Remains Unclear

The whereabouts of Nancy Guthrie remain unknown, and the investigation continues without credible leads from the ransom notes. The identity of the actual kidnappers, if any, is still undetermined, and the FBI’s reasons for continuing to treat the case as a kidnapping-for-ransom despite the notes being deemed not credible have not been fully disclosed [2][3].

AI-Generated Content Disclosure

This article was generated by Bluxle's AI system based on research from multiple news sources. All facts are sourced and cited below. The AI is designed to be neutral and fact-based with no editorial opinion.

Editorially reviewed by R McLennan

Sources & Citations

2
Center
↩
Source Bias Score Neutral
◀ Left Right ▶

Weighted by citation frequency — sources cited more often carry greater influence.

Research Basis

Outlets in bold were actively consulted during research for this article. Others are in our standard monitoring pool.