A second ransom note sent to multiple media outlets claims that Nancy Guthrie died shortly after her kidnapping [1].

The development adds a grim layer to a high-profile investigation that has drawn national attention due to the victim's daughter, journalist Savannah Guthrie.

Investigators reported the second note on June 23, 2026 [2]. This follows the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie earlier in 2024 [1]. The new communication was distributed to various news organizations across the U.S. [2].

"The second note says Nancy Guthrie died shortly after being taken," a police spokesperson said [2].

Law enforcement officials are evaluating the authenticity of the message. Investigators said, "We are treating both notes as potentially credible" [3]. In total, authorities have received two ransom notes [1].

Savannah Guthrie has continued to appeal for public assistance in locating her mother. "If anyone has any information about my mother's kidnapping, please come forward," Guthrie said [2].

The nature of the second note suggests an attempt by the abductor, or someone posing as the abductor, to inform the public of the victim's death. Some investigators believe the note may be intended to deter further police work or explain why ransom payments were not made [2].

Police have not yet confirmed the death of Nancy Guthrie. The investigation remains active as authorities work to verify the claims made in the second correspondence [3].

“"The second note says Nancy Guthrie died shortly after being taken."”

The emergence of a second note claiming the victim's death creates a critical pivot in the investigation. If verified, it shifts the case from a kidnapping and recovery effort to a homicide investigation. However, the use of media outlets to deliver such news is often a tactic used by abductors to manipulate public perception or law enforcement strategy, meaning investigators must balance the possibility of a genuine tragedy against a potential deception.