Two ransom notes thought to be written by those who kidnapped the mother of US television host Savannah Guthrie have been released in full, six months on from her abduction.
Investigators believe Nancy Guthrie, aged 84, was taken against her will from her home in Arizona between 31 January and 1 February. She was reported missing after not turning up for a church service.
The Pima County Sheriff's Office have asked the public for help in identifying the writer of the notes, whose “distinct linguistic characteristics may be recognisable”. No suspects have been arrested and police have not shared possible motives.
In a social media statement on Saturday, the Today anchor said the family’s “hearts are in ruins” and urged anyone who may know anything about the notes and the case to “do the right thing” and come forward.
“We are real people, facing real grief, doing the best we can, and counting our many blessings along the way - most especially the prayers and love from good people, which we feel deeply. We need your prayers, we need your kindness. We need the good to be stronger than the evil. If you are following this story for entertainment or for profit, you are not on her side - you are part of the harm perpetrated against her”, she said.
The first note demanded a ransom of $4m (£2.97m) to be paid in bitcoin, threatening to kill Nancy if it was not paid. Savannah and the Guthrie family received it on 2 February, with the note also being sent to local media.
It went on to say: “If payment is not recieved [sic] by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed. Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands. It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible. You will not be able to contact me from here on out, there will be no negotiation. Do not play games, law enforcement will not be able to help you.”
After a redacted sentence, it ends: “She had a white smart watch on the floor of the foot of her bed and the white flood light in backyard [sic] was destroyed.”
The second note, four days later, claimed that Nancy died shortly after the abduction. This has not been confirmed by police.
It said: “Guthrie Family, we did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you all can find peace. We are truly sorry.”
Nancy had limited mobility and was taking medication at the time of her disappearance.
Sections of the notes have been reported in the media previously, with police investigating their origin and stating that the family were looking for certainty amid misinformation online.
Savannah and the Guthrie family have repeatedly expressed their gratitude for the millions of people that have been praying for their mother, urging supporters to “keep praying without ceasing”. In March, they shared how they “cannot be at peace until she is home”.
In a February appeal, Savannah described her mother’s deep faith and character, calling her “a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light.” Her church has said they continue to pray through the “horrific ordeal”.