Investigators released two notes on Friday, believed to be sent by those who kidnapped Nancy Guthrie from her Tucson home in February. Law enforcement has spent nearly six months searching for the 84-year-old mother of ‘Today’ show co-host Savannah Guthrie without success.

For months, media have shared parts of the ransom notes based on sources within law enforcement. However, Friday marked the first complete release of the letters. Authorities aim to generate leads in the case, which has attracted national attention.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department published two ransom notes sent to Nancy Guthrie’s family. ‘In some cases, people with knowledge may not initially come forward,’ their news release stated. They cited reasons such as close ties to those involved and worries about personal safety or reputation. The department encouraged anyone with information to come forward, regardless of its significance, as loyalties and perspectives might change over time.

The first note, sent to TV station KOLD soon after Guthrie’s disappearance on February 1, demanded $4 million in bitcoin by 5 p.m. on February 5. The letter, addressed to Savannah, warned that failing to meet the deadline would increase the amount to $6 million, due by February 9. ‘If payment is not received by the last deadline…she will be killed,’ the letter warned. It indicated no further communication or negotiation would occur, emphasizing the critical need to complete the payment.

The FBI’s Phoenix office described some notes related to the February kidnapping as possibly ‘legitimate,’ while dismissing others as ‘extortion attempts.’ The case remains under investigation as a kidnapping for ransom.

The note released Friday increased credibility with investigators due to specific details, such as a mention of a white smartwatch on the floor at the foot of Guthrie’s bed and a broken white floodlight in the backyard.

A second note allegedly from the kidnappers arrived as a news tip to KOLD, claiming Guthrie likely died due to heart issues. Addressed to the Guthrie family, it stated, ‘We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition.’ The letter claimed she was ‘buried in nature’ and expressed regret, saying, ‘Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We hope you can find peace.’

Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home on February 1, last seen the night before being dropped off by family around 9:45 p.m. The FBI released doorbell camera images showing an armed and masked individual outside her home on the morning of her disappearance. The man is labeled a suspect in the abduction.

Throughout the investigation, a few detentions and searches occurred as the Guthrie family made emotional appeals. On Monday, Savannah Guthrie posted a video asking for help finding her mother, stating their family remained ‘in agony.’

Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her. she urged. The world can be a cruel and unforgiving place. Yet, she also expressed belief that it is never too late to do the right thing. Help us bring this situation to an end—for all of us. No matter where we’ve been and what we’ve done, I believe there is always a way home.