‘She Perished Shortly After’: CNN Reveals Contents of Just Released Nancy Guthrie Ransom Notes

Arizona authorities have released the full contents of two alleged ransom notes about Nancy Guthrie sent to a news station after the 84-year-old mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie was believed kidnapped six months ago.

Before reading the letters on air, CNN correspondent Josh Campbell explained why authorities said they were releasing the notes to the public.

“They want this information out there to pay particular attention to the wording, to the syntax. Again, they’ve been asking if you know anyone who may have responsible for this, they want you to call authorities,” Campbell said, adding, “I mean, we’re not reporting on this just because people are curious. We want you to actually look at some of the wording.”

Campbell said the first letter was from Feb. 2, the day after Guthrie was believed to have been abducted.

“This purported kidnapper says that ‘We have your mother. She’s safe but scared.’ They demand a ransom of $4 million,” Campbell said. He continued reading:

If payment is not received, the ransom will be increased to 6 million USD by 5PM On Monday, the 9th. Once payment is received to the bitcoin address below, she will be released within 12 hours of deposit to a safe drop off location back in Tucson. If payment is not received by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5PM, she will be killed. Your mother is aware of this and her life is in your hands.

“Fast forward just a few days later on February the 6th, and this is heartbreaking. You know, this somewhat confirms with some of the reporting that we’ve had before and some of the suspicion that perhaps she did not survive,” Campbell said, before reading from the second note.

We did not fully grasp the seriousness of her physical condition. We never intended to hurt her, that was not our intention. She perished shortly after she was taken. We believe it was heart related. She is buried in nature now. Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome. We want your family to know this and hope you can all find peace. We are truly Sorry.

“Which, obviously, is very little consolation to the Guthrie family that has been grieving,” Campbell said.

Savannah Guthrie released a new video this week, begging the kidnappers to reveal Nancy’s location.

“So I’m asking you, begging you, to do the right thing now. Make the right choice. Help us find her. Tell us where to look for her,” Savannah said.  “I truly believe 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. Please make the right choice.”

Watch above via CNN.

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