Nancy Guthrie case: Tipster requests one Bitcoin for video and kidnappers’ location
June 27, 2026
The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, has taken a compelling turn after an anonymous tipster contacted TMZ, demanding digital currency in exchange for revealing information about the kidnappers. The FBI is closely monitoring the sender’s activities as new details emerge regarding a second ransom note, suggesting that Guthrie may have died shortly after being abducted.
The tipster, who has been in contact with TMZ for several months, recently sent a message claiming to have a short video of Guthrie and the main kidnapper, recorded on the day she died. To authenticate the message, the sender provided a private Bitcoin wallet address that had never been made public. The individual is demanding one Bitcoin, valued at approximately $60,000, to lead authorities to the mobile device containing the footage and provide the names and addresses of the abductors.
TMZ has shared all correspondence with the FBI, who have been trying to trace the emails for months. The FBI’s information technology teams have been working tirelessly to track the sender, as the case has transitioned into a felony murder investigation. A recent ransom note suggested that Guthrie may have died after her abduction, and the original ransom demand was reduced significantly in a subsequent note, claiming that the kidnappers did not intend for her death.
Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the tipster truly possesses the video evidence, and it is unclear when or where Guthrie died. Investigators suspect she may have died due to medical complications after being denied necessary medication. Speculation about the geographical location of her remains, previously rumored to be in Mexico, remains unverified.
TMZ founder Harvey Levin has been in communication with the tipster, urging them to provide evidence to authenticate their claims. The FBI has advised against paying the ransom, as they believe they are making progress on the case and fear that the tipster may be a fraudster. The FBI is actively working on digital forensics to identify the sender of the emails and track both the kidnappers and the tipster’s Bitcoin infrastructure.
The case of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance continues to be a top priority for law enforcement, as they work towards unraveling the mystery surrounding her abduction and potential death. The FBI remains committed to solving the case and bringing the perpetrators to justice, relying on advancements in digital forensics and investigative techniques to make significant breakthroughs in the investigation.