Nancy Guthrie’s ransom note may hold key clue in kidnapping case

84-year-old Nancy Guthrie remains missing, but a small detail in a ransom note—an actual bitcoin wallet address—might help investigators trace her alleged kidnapper.

TV anchor Savannah Guthrie is holding on to hope that her mother, Nancy Guthrie, is still alive. The Today show co-host shared an emotional video on Instagram, saying, “We believe our mom is still out there.”

Nancy, 84, was last seen on the night of January 31 after spending time with family in her Tucson, Arizona home. She didn’t show up for church the next morning, and her family grew worried. Police say she was likely taken from her home in the early hours of February 1 in what they are calling a possible abduction.

On February 5, a ransom note was sent to media outlets, demanding $6 million in bitcoin. The deadline for the payment was set for February 9 at 5 p.m. Mountain Time, according to reports by Tucson’s KGUN9.

While the FBI hasn’t confirmed the details of the note, experts say the kidnapper might have made a big mistake by including a real bitcoin wallet address in the message.

Bezalel Eithan Raviv, a blockchain forensics expert and CEO of Lionsgate Network, told Page Six that the address could be used to track the suspect.

“He showed his Achilles to everyone who understands blockchain forensics,” Raviv said.

Even though many people think bitcoin is untraceable, Raviv explained that it’s actually the opposite. Once a wallet address is known, blockchain experts can follow the flow of money, especially if the criminal tries to move it or cash out through a crypto exchange.

Unlike cash, Raviv said cryptocurrency works through coded transactions that leave behind a digital trail.

“You don’t send a suitcase with cash… You send a code, and you cannot eat off of code,” he said.

Once the kidnapper tries to turn that code into real money, they may expose their identity. Raviv also pointed out that the $6 million demand is typical, as past cases usually involve ransoms between $5 million and $10 million.

The FBI released a statement on February 9, saying there has been no further communication from the suspected kidnappers. So far, no suspects or persons of interest have been identified.

“FBI agents, analysts, and professional staff have worked around the clock,” the statement read.

A 24-hour command post is now operating in Tucson, with help from field offices across the country. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office is also part of the effort, and they continue to ask for the public’s help.

“We still need the public’s help,” said Sheriff Chris Nanos.

Nancy Guthrie lives alone in the Catalina Foothills, a quiet area north of Tucson. Family members say she had dinner and played games on Saturday night before heading home at around 9:50 p.m. When she didn’t arrive at church the next morning, they called 911.

As the investigation moves forward, experts believe the clue left in the ransom note could become a turning point in the case. But community support remains crucial.

Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI.

Nancy Guthrie’s family, especially her daughter Savannah, continues to pray for her safe return—and investigators are racing against time.