The Pima County Sheriff's Department has released two ransom notes in connection with the February 1 kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, a Tucson-area resident and mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie. The department is now appealing to the public for assistance in identifying the writer of these communications, as the 84-year-old remains missing.

These notes, received by local media outlets in the days following Guthrie's abduction, offer distinctive linguistic patterns that the sheriff's department believes could be recognizable to someone familiar with the writer. The release comes six months after the initial incident, highlighting the ongoing efforts to solve the case and locate Ms. Guthrie.

The first note was sent to KOLD-TV on February 2, addressed to Savannah Guthrie. It stated that Nancy Guthrie was held captive but safe, demanding millions in Bitcoin for her release and threatening her life if payment was not made. The note also referenced specific details about a smartwatch and a damaged floodlight at the residence, information not publicly disclosed at the time.

Six days later, on February 6, a second note was sent to the Guthrie family. This communication indicated that Nancy Guthrie had died and was buried in nature, expressing that the kidnappers did not intend to cause harm and that her condition worsened unexpectedly. The note included an apology and a message of peace to the family.

Following the receipt of the second note, Savannah Guthrie posted a statement on Instagram on February 7, acknowledging the message and pleading for her mother's return, stating the family would pay. The sheriff's department has previously stated that hair found in the home was not linked to any suspect in the abduction.

Investigators are analyzing the unique word choice, syntax, and phrasing within the ransom notes. They hope these stylistic elements will trigger recognition in someone who knows the writer, providing a crucial lead in identifying the individual responsible for the kidnapping and the subsequent communications.

The Pima County Sheriff's Department is urging anyone with information about the language or content of these notes to come forward. The distinctive characteristics of the writing are considered a key avenue for identifying the perpetrator, as the investigation continues to seek Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts and bring those involved to justice.

This case remains an active investigation, with the sheriff's department emphasizing the importance of public cooperation in piecing together the events of February 1 and the subsequent days. The released notes represent a significant step in potentially identifying the individual behind the threats and demands.