A second note sent days after the kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie stated she had died and included an apology to the family. This was reported by Qazaqyia.kz citing BBC News.
The first note, sent the day after her disappearance, demanded millions in bitcoin for her release. The second note, sent on 6 February, used similar language but contained no demands, instead apologising for her death and stating it was inadvertent.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department declined to comment on the contents of the notes but said the investigation remains active and ongoing. The FBI is working with local authorities.
Nancy Guthrie vanished on 31 January after being dropped off at her home by relatives. Concern grew when she did not attend a virtual Sunday church service at a friend's house the next morning.
The first note gave specific details about her home, bedroom, and surroundings. It was addressed to Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC's Today show.
The second note was sent on 6 February and did not include any demands, instead apologising for her death.
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released a video addressed to the kidnappers, begging for their mother's return and stating they would pay.
Authorities and the Guthrie family repeatedly warned that the elderly victim was in poor health and without critical medication.
During the search, authorities released images of a masked person captured on security camera outside her home.
The Guthrie family offered a $1 million reward, in addition to $100,000 pledged by the FBI, for information leading to Nancy Guthrie's return.
On 24 February, Savannah Guthrie said they would keep hoping, even though they know she may be lost or already gone.
In a March interview, Guthrie said several ransom notes were sent, and she believed some were bogus. The family believed the first two notes were authentic.
Guthrie stepped away from NBC's Today show for more than two months and returned in early April.