Early ransom note in Nancy Guthrie case released

Authorities released an early ransom note in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in the hope that someone will recognise the writing style.

A second note released on Friday indicated that Ms Guthrie, 84, the mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie, died.

Both notes initially went to a television station in Tucson, Arizona, days after she went missing from her home outside Tucson on February 1.

Authorities have not said whether Ms Guthrie is still alive.

The sheriff’s department said “we believe these distinctive linguistic characteristics may be recognisable to someone who knows or has interacted with the notes’ writer”.

The first note, sent on February 2, says Ms Guthrie was safe but scared and would be released unharmed once her captors received four million dollars (£3 million) in cryptocurrency, with the ransom amount increasing if the first demand was not met.

It said Ms Guthrie would be released within 12 hours if the payment was received. It also included a threat to kill her if the ransom was not met.

“Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands,” the first note read. “It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible.”

The second note to the family said Ms Guthrie died shortly after she was taken.

“She is buried in nature now,” the second note said. “Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome.” The note ends with an apology: “We are truly sorry.”

The sheriff’s department said the notes show a distinctive pattern of word choices and provide insight into the writer’s mindset. The agency said someone who knows the notes’ writer may recognise the patterns.

The department appealed to people who may know something about the case, saying it may be difficult to come forward because of a personal relationship with someone involved or just for their own safety.

“We recognise relationships and loyalties change over time as do people and their perspectives,” the sheriff’s department said. “It is not too late to come forward.”

The sheriff’s office also said that two videos recovered from Ms Guthrie’s doorbell camera might be from two separate days and indicate an unidentified man prepared ahead of when Ms Guthrie was taken.

Authorities are seeking information on anyone who was behaving differently, changed their physical appearance, suddenly left the Tucson area, or had a noticeable or unexplained interest or disinterest in the case.

“Investigators continue to pursue every available technological and investigative lead,” the sheriff’s office said. “However, community members remain a vital resource as we seek to provide answers for Nancy’s family.”

Despite an intense search involving thousands of law enforcement officers and volunteers, there has been no sign of the mother-of-three since she was reported missing.

Her children, including the NBC host, have made heartbreaking video pleas for help.