A purported ransom note received by multiple media outlets has revealed that 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie is “safe but scared,” according to TMZ founder Harvey Levin, who reviewed one of the communications on Fox News’ “Hannity.” The note, sent shortly after Nancy’s disappearance from her Tucson-area home, begins with reassurance about her condition while asserting she is fully aware of the demands placed for her release. This revelation comes as the second deadline — described as “far more consequential” than the first that passed on Thursday, February 5, 2026 — approaches at 5 p.m. local time on Monday, February 9, 2026.

The note, which demands millions in Bitcoin, threatens dire consequences if unmet, including potential harm to Nancy. Levin emphasized that the letter states it will be the final communication, with no further negotiation or reply possible, heightening the pressure on the Guthrie family and investigators. “The letter begins by saying she is safe but scared, and they go on to say she knows exactly what the demand is,” Levin told Sean Hannity, adding that the sender appears to believe this will be their only message.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office have acknowledged the existence of multiple ransom communications, some identical and sent to outlets like TMZ, KOLD, and KGUN 9. While authorities have not confirmed the notes’ authenticity or linked them definitively to the abductors, they are treating them seriously amid an active investigation now in its second week. Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke noted the letters were “carefully crafted,” containing unreleased details about the case, lending them some credibility despite skepticism from former FBI officials who suggest the family might be “played” or that the notes could be hoaxes designed to torment.

Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Catalina Foothills home sometime after being dropped off around 9:48 p.m. on January 31, 2026, following a family gathering. Her children reported her missing the next day when she failed to attend church. Investigators found signs of forced entry, a disconnected Ring doorbell camera, blood droplets on the porch matching her DNA, and other indicators of a struggle. The case has been classified as an abduction, with Nancy considered highly vulnerable due to her age, pacemaker, heart conditions, high blood pressure, mobility issues, and reliance on daily medications that could prove fatal if withheld.

The family — led by NBC “Today” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie — has released multiple emotional videos pleading for Nancy’s return. In the most recent, posted over the weekend, Savannah and siblings declared “we will pay,” signaling willingness to meet demands for peace and reunion. “This is very valuable to us, and we will pay,” Savannah said, her voice strained with desperation. Earlier pleas asked for direct contact and proof of life, underscoring mounting fears.

Investigative efforts have intensified. Authorities returned repeatedly to the $1 million property over the weekend, including a probe of the septic tank, roof searches yielding a wired device possibly a camera, and towing a blue Subaru SUV for forensics. Searches expanded to daughter Annie Guthrie’s home and nearby areas, with drone footage capturing officers at work. No suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles have been publicly identified, though President Trump noted “strong clues” and full federal resources deployed.

The ransom saga has drawn scrutiny. Some experts question why genuine kidnappers would broadcast demands via media rather than privately to the family, and the lack of proof-of-life footage raises doubts. Former FBI voices express concern that scammers or opportunists could be exploiting the high-profile case, especially given prior hoax notes leading to arrests. Yet the inclusion of specific, non-public details keeps investigators engaged.

Community response remains fervent. Prayer vigils continue outside the home, with candles, flowers, and messages accumulating. Neighbors in the affluent, secluded neighborhood report heightened vigilance, sharing footage and tips. The $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s safe return or arrests stands, with tips flooding hotlines.

As the Monday deadline ticks closer, the emotional toll is evident. Savannah’s national platform has kept the story prominent, blending celebrity with raw family anguish. For an 84-year-old grandmother already frail, every hour without medication heightens risks of medical emergency. The note’s claim — “safe but scared” — offers a fragile glimmer amid horror, but without verification or contact, it fuels both hope and dread.

The FBI urges against unauthorized payments that could jeopardize the probe, while emphasizing all leads are pursued. Whether the notes come from real captors or cruel opportunists, the urgency remains: bring Nancy home alive. With no breakthroughs after nine days and her health precarious, the second deadline looms as a pivotal moment in a case gripping the nation.