TMZ claims that it received a ransom note asking for a large amount of money for the return of The Today Show anchor Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother, Nancy.
“We got something in our email that looks like it's written like a ransom note for Savannah Guthrie’s missing mother,” said TMZ founder Harvey Levin in a clip, revealing that he believes it’s the real kidnappers because of “certain things that they’re saying — what she was wearing and the damage to the house.”
Levin says that the sheriff’s department has been contacted because “we want to get them this letter.”
According to the publication, the person who sent the letter, “demands a specific substantial amount of Bitcoin … the amount is in the millions, and the note demands the cryptocurrency be sent to a specific Bitcoin address.” TMZ claims to have verified the address as well.
“There is a deadline connected to the alleged ransom … and an element of ‘or else,’” the outlet added.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office released a statement addressing the ransom note, writing, “We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie. We are taking all tips and leads very seriously. Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI.”
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on on Jan. 31 in Arizona. On Feb. 2, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office announced that it was treating her disappearance as a crime after officers found “very concerning” evidence in her house.
Savannah Guthrie reached out to her followers on social media, asking for them to “raise your prayers” so her mother can be found.
“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope. We believe in goodness. We believe in humanity. Above all, we believe in Him,” she wrote.
“Thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant,” she continued. “Raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment. We need you.”
