Nancy Guthrie Case: Mystery Note Demands 1 Bitcoin For Revealing Information On Kidnapper-'Time Is More Than Relevant'

(MENAFN- Live Mint) A fresh twist has emerged in the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, as a mysterious new message claims insider knowledge about the alleged kidnapper.

According to TMZ, the outlet received the communication shortly before 5 a.m. PT. Unlike the original ransom note - believed to have come from the suspected abductors - this message appears to be from someone claiming to have inside information.

The sender allegedly said they had repeatedly tried to contact Savannah Guthrie's brother, Camron, and sister, Annie, via email and text without success. The note reportedly reads:“If they want the name of the individual involved then I want 1 Bitcoin to the following wallet. Time is more than relevant.”

TMZ reported that the message included what appears to be a valid Bitcoin wallet address - different from the one listed in the earlier ransom note sent to TMZ and two Tucson television stations. The outlet said it has forwarded the message to the FBI. Authorities have not publicly commented on the latest development, and the credibility of the sender remains unclear.

One Bitcoin is currently valued at about $67,000 - significantly more than the $50,000 reward authorities are offering for information leading to the alleged kidnappers of the NBC“Today” anchor's mother.

Man detained, then released

The new development comes as investigators intensify efforts in the case.

On Tuesday night (February 10), a man was detained and later released shortly after the FBI released surveillance images and video of a masked individual seen outside Nancy Guthrie's Tucson-area home the night she disappeared.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department said the man was stopped during a traffic stop south of Tucson and questioned for several hours before being released. Authorities have not disclosed why he was stopped or why he was let go.

Deputies and FBI agents also searched a property in Rio Rico, near the US-Mexico border, where the man resides, according to AP.

Surveillance footage released

Earlier Tuesday, the FBI released still images and brief video clips showing a masked individual approaching Guthrie's front door on February 1.

The person appears to be wearing a ski mask, backpack and gun holster and is seen attempting to cover a doorbell camera. The footage, which runs less than a minute, does not show what happened to Guthrie.

FBI Director Kash Patel said investigators retrieved the video from“back-end systems” after days of attempting to recover inaccessible data. Although the suspect's face is obscured, authorities believe someone may still recognize the individual.

Search intensifies

Law enforcement presence has increased in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood where Guthrie lived. Officers have conducted door-to-door inquiries and searched nearby areas, including a drainage channel and culvert.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home on January 31 and reported missing the following day. Authorities have said they believe she was taken against her will. DNA testing confirmed that blood found on her porch belonged to her.

Savannah Guthrie has shared the surveillance image on social media, urging the public to help identify the suspect. The family has repeatedly appealed for her safe return and signaled a willingness to pay ransom. Authorities have not confirmed the authenticity of earlier ransom notes, and it remains unclear whether the family has had direct contact with anyone responsible.

Also Read | Nancy Guthrie case: Expert points to suspect's doorbell camera mistake

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