The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has taken another unexpected turn after the FBI issued a fresh statement clarifying the status of the mysterious ransom notes that have surfaced since the 84-year-old vanished earlier this year.
Nancy, the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her Tucson, Arizona, home on February 1. Authorities continue to believe she was taken against her will, and the investigation remains active.
© WireImageFBI clarifies ransom note reports
The update comes after reports earlier this week suggested that all three ransom notes connected to the case had been determined to be fake.
However, on Wednesday, the FBI's Phoenix Field Office released a statement explaining that investigators have reached different conclusions about the communications received during the investigation.
"Several ransom demands have been received throughout this investigation," the statement read.
"Some have been deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy. Other ransom demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such."
The agency stressed that the case continues to be investigated as a "kidnapping for ransom," with the Pima County Sheriff's Department remaining the lead investigative agency.
© Getty ImagesSheriff's office urges patience
The update was echoed by the Pima County Sheriff's Department, which confirmed the investigation remains ongoing and cautioned against speculation while detectives continue to follow leads.
Authorities reiterated that investigators are working closely with the FBI and asked members of the public to avoid drawing conclusions while the case remains active.
© Getty ImagesSearch continues
The latest development comes just days after authorities searched an area near the Arizona-Mexico border following information received during the investigation.
No evidence relating to Nancy's whereabouts was recovered.Nancy was last seen on the evening of January 31 after returning to her home following dinner with family.
© FBIInvestigators believe a masked individual approached her property during the early hours of February 1 before disabling her doorbell camera. Less than an hour later, her pacemaker monitoring app disconnected, leading investigators to believe that may have been the moment she was taken.
Blood was later discovered outside her home, and authorities have consistently maintained that the evidence points to an abduction.
© TODAYSavannah's heartbreaking plea
Savannah has remained largely out of the public spotlight as the search for her mother continues, although she previously admitted her family "cannot be at peace" while Nancy's whereabouts remain unknown.
The Guthrie family has offered a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to Nancy's safe return, while the FBI is offering an additional $100,000.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI or the Pima County Sheriff's Department immediately.
