Nancy Guthrie kidnapping: FBI reaches out to Mexico as new ransom demand surfaces, what we know so far

The investigation into the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of US television anchor Savannah Guthrie, has widened beyond the United States, with the FBI reaching out to Mexican law enforcement amid growing concern over her whereabouts.

The FBI has contacted federal authorities in Mexico to alert police agencies and coordinate information-sharing, as investigators explore the possibility that Guthrie may have been taken across the US–Mexico border. Officials, however, emphasise that there is currently no concrete evidence confirming such a move, TMZ reported.

Authorities believe it is unlikely that Guthrie was transported across the border immediately after her abduction. Border Patrol surveillance systems, camera footage and electronic records have been reviewed, but no definitive trace has been found. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility that she could have been moved at a later stage, noting that illegal crossings can occur without detection.

Unlike an earlier demand that reportedly sought around $6 million, the latest message involves a different cryptocurrency and a separate digital wallet address. The email reportedly contains explicit threats describing consequences if the ransom is not paid. the media outlet said it has passed the communication on to the FBI and is withholding specific details to avoid compromising the investigation.

Federal authorities have warned that individuals attempting to exploit the case by issuing fake ransom demands could face severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences.

Officials have not disclosed the nature of the evidence, the precise timing of its discovery, or whether it has been fully analysed or shared with federal forensic databases. Authorities have cited the ongoing nature of the investigation in declining to release further information.

“We believe that we may have some DNA there that could be linked to a suspect,” Chris Nanos, the sheriff of Pima County, said during a televised interview. He added that forensic analysis is a complex process and does not immediately produce results.

The sheriff’s department later confirmed that the DNA evidence is “part of the active investigation,” while declining to comment on how many profiles were recovered or what stage the testing has reached.

Investigators have also contacted gun retailers in the Tucson area after identifying the type of holster worn by the suspected kidnapper. A list of recent purchasers was reviewed, but no relevant leads emerged.

In addition, an FBI team is reportedly working with major retailers, including Walmart, to trace items believed to have been worn or used by the suspect. These efforts, too, have not yet resulted in a breakthrough.

Law enforcement officials say they are continuing to pursue every available lead, describing their approach as “shaking the trees” in hopes of uncovering new information.

As the investigation stretches into its third week, officials have urged the public to avoid speculation and to report any relevant information directly to authorities.

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