Harvey Levin, founder of TMZ, mentioned that the ransom email is “very specific” and “well organized.” He speculates that Savannah Guthrie’s mother could be held within a certain distance from Tucson.
During an appearance on “Hannity,” Levin indicated that as the deadline passed on Thursday, the one on Monday becomes “much more significant,” since the kidnappers are asking for millions in Bitcoin for the safe return of the 84-year-old mother of the NBC “Today” anchor.
Levin shared that the letter starts by assuring the family that she’s safe but frightened, and it states that she understands what the demands entail.
He noted, “The family is being informed through us at TMZ, and it seems like the sheriff is relaying the letter we got to them, explaining exactly what’s being asked, and Nancy is aware of that.”
Based on the email’s content, Levin suspects that the sender might be near the vicinity where Nancy was last seen, possibly still close to Tucson.
He commented, “There are phrases in this email that make me believe the author knows what they’re talking about. If they’re telling the truth, Nancy is somewhere near the Tucson area. Not exactly in Tucson, but close.”
“Maybe in New Mexico? We’re not quite sure how far, but at least officials feel there is a certain radius. That’s something,” he added.
The ransom note requested a transfer of cryptocurrency to a valid but undisclosed Bitcoin address and appeared to be intricately structured, suggesting careful planning behind it.
“We’ve confirmed the Bitcoin address is legitimate,” Levin stated. “This was not hastily written.”
He emphasized that this letter is very detailed and layered, claiming it explains various points. “This is definitely not AI,” he remarked.
The memo included specific details about items in Nancy Guthrie’s $1 million home, such as the location of her Apple Watch and the installation of floodlights, which were not made public knowledge, according to Levin.
TMZ reported that law enforcement is taking the note seriously, noting certain characteristics that indicate that the kidnappers are genuine and likely have Nancy.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided a sobering timeline of events regarding Nancy’s disappearance in a press conference. She had dinner with her daughter, Annie, and son-in-law, Tommaso, at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and was last seen when they dropped her off at her home at 9:48 p.m.
Investigators revealed that her doorbell camera went offline at 1:47 a.m., motion was detected without recording at 2:12 a.m., and her pacemaker was disconnected at 2:28 a.m.
Worried by her absence from church, her family checked on her just before noon and reported her missing around 12:03 p.m. Police later confirmed finding blood stains in her residence.
Sources indicated the inquiry is zeroing in on individuals close to Nancy, with authorities not ruling out her son-in-law as a potential suspect since he was the last person seen with her Saturday night.
“Everyone remains a suspect in our perspective. That’s how we approach investigations,” Nanos stated in a news conference.
After the initial deadline lapsed, Cameron Guthrie, the eldest of Nancy’s three children, released a statement urging the kidnappers to reach out to them to confirm her safety.
“We haven’t received any direct communication. We need to make contact with you to move forward,” he expressed.
“But first, you must know that you have our mother. We want to speak with you and are waiting for your response.”
