local
Some Nancy Guthrie ransom notes were illegitimate ‘extortion attempts,’ while others are still being investigated, FBI says
By CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7
· July 1, 2026
· 4 min read
By Taylor Romine, Brian Stelter, CNN
(CNN) — Some of the ransom notes sent to news outlets in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, earlier this year were not legitimate, but other notes might be and are still under investigation, the FBI Ph...
Key takeaway The 84-year-old vanished from her Arizona home in the early morning hours of February 1 without her phone or essential medications.
Why this matters in The El Paso
The FBI's clarification on the legitimacy of ransom notes in the Nancy Guthrie case has significant implications for the community, particularly in terms of the emotional toll on the family and the public's perception of the investigation. As the case continues to unfold, El Paso residents are likely to remain vigilant, given the proximity of the investigation to the El Paso area. The fact that some notes were deemed extortion attempts without legitimacy raises questions about the potential for copycat crimes or false leads in the region. Meanwhile, the ongoing investigation, led by local authorities with FBI assistance, underscores the complexity of the case and the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies. As the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its fifth month, the community remains hopeful for a resolution, and the latest developments serve as a reminder that the investigation is still active and multifaceted.
About this story
Original reporting by KVIA ABC-7 . The El Paso surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KVIA ABC-7 . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KVIA ABC-7 ·
Reading time: 4 min
Get more The El Paso stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? By Taylor Romine, Brian Stelter, CNN
(CNN) — Some of the ransom notes sent to news outlets in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, earlier this year were not legitimate, but other notes might be and are still under investigation, the FBI Ph...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KVIA ABC-7 and curated for The El Paso readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by CNN Newsource at KVIA ABC-7. To learn more about how The El Paso selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The El Paso, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter