The FBI is singing a new tune. Does it give clarity on what happened to Nancy Guthrie? Not yet. But it does leave a sliver of hope.
Reuters published a bombshell report on Tuesday, in which an anonymous FBI official claimed three ransom notes — two connected to each other from February, seemingly from the alleged abductor(s), and one more recent one from someone claiming to have information — were determined to be fake. It was definitely a blow to the hope still left that answers will be found in the investigation. But, uh, it may not have been the full truth.
Related: Savannah Guthrie Sobs ‘Begging’ For Answers
The FBI Phoenix office released an official statement on Wednesday clearing the air — and revealing that they do believe some ransom notes could be legit! They wrote:
“The FBI and its task force partners have received several ransom notes over the course of this investigation. Some have been deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy. Other ransom demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such.”
They continued:
“This case continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case. The FBI has and will continue to offer all assistance possible in the investigation — however local authorities remain the lead.”
Statement on Guthrie Investigation pic.twitter.com/zTUKcjPfsv
— FBI Phoenix (@FBIPhoenix) July 1, 2026
Whoa!
Previously, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos claimed the FBI is in charge of all ransom note-related matters in the case. But, clearly, the FBI doesn’t want it to seem like they have more power in the investigation than they do…
Law enforcement sources also spoke to TMZ, saying the Reuters report wasn’t entirely accurate. An FBI official also told the outlet:
“It is more likely than not that the 2 ransom notes are real.”
These notes seem to be the first two received from the apparent criminal(s) — one asking for cryptocurrency for Nancy’s return and the other allegedly apologizing after her “unintentional” death. The same person said:
“They are more legitimate than not.”
So, they don’t have a final determination on the notes, but they certainly aren’t ruling anything out yet.
As for the demand letters that TMZ has received — in which someone is asking for one Bitcoin — the official said it is “less likely that those letters are real,” but they have not discounted the possibility either.
Now, that same source pointed out there are a lot of people working on the case and opinions vary from person to person, which could account for the Reuters report. However, and most importantly, the official position of the agency is that they’re not ruling anything out yet — and they think the initial ransom notes, presumed to be from the kidnapper(s), could be real. Which is a big deal. If only they could figure out who sent them!
Hear more:
Gosh. We hope the Guthrie family can get some answers soon.
Thoughts??
[Image via Savannah Guthrie/Instagram/FBI]
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