The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “The Today Show” host, Savannah Guthrie, enters day four — and as each new twist emerges, the case seems to get even more disturbing.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos wouldn’t confirm the legitimacy of three ransom notes, each sent to a separate news outlet — but said on Tuesday that he was “absolutely not” dismissing them.
The first note was sent to a local news station in Arizona. Nanos said authorities were made aware Monday and they let the family know as well.
“When the note comes to us, it’s like any piece of evidence,” Nanos told CBS News. “You give it to us. You give us a lead. We’re going to look at every aspect of that lead and work it as a lead.”
Entertainment site TMZ and local Arizona news stations KGUN and KOLD have each reported receiving a note about Nancy Guthrie — and each note laid out a similar demand: millions in Bitcoin.
A statement from KGUN said the note had included a deadline, saying that the cryptocurrency had to be received by Thursday — and if it was not received by Monday, the note’s author threatened to kill Nancy.
Several of the notes, according to reports, specifically referenced two pieces of evidence found at the crime scene — but the news outlets have not confirmed that information to be legitimate.
RELATED: ‘Bring Her Home’: Savannah Guthrie Pleads For Mother’s Return After ‘Abduction’
“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie. We are taking all tips and leads very seriously,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement Tuesday.
In addition to the ransom notes, Pima County Sheriff’s Office officials are addressing reports of a suspect in the case.
Independent journalist Ashleigh Banfield said she has sources close to the case that are saying Savannah’s brother-in-law, Tammaso Cioni, may be the prime suspect in the case. Banfield added that Savannah’s sister, Annie, who is married to Cioni, has had her car towed and is being treated as evidence.
The sheriff’s department quickly told TMZ Wednesday, “we have not identified a suspect or person of interest in this case.”
Officials said that detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie and “are also awaiting additional forensic results.”
In regard to the impounded car, TMZ quoted the department as saying, “We are not confirming the car being seized, we are unsure where that reporter is getting that information.”
The ransom notes add a strange twist to the forensic evidence and tips officials are already reviewing. While not much has been confirmed about the crime, reporters described an apparent blood trail at the scene Tuesday on Nancy’s front porch, along with a missing doorbell camera.
The sheriff said the footage from cameras at the house is being processed. The neighborhood of Catalina Hills, where Nancy lives, is very secluded, with no street lights and no sidewalks. A CNN reporter explained that anyone attempting to get to Nancy’s house would have to wind through several different roads.
The tranquility of the area is what drew Nancy to put down roots in Tucson. On “The Today Show” in November, she said, “The quality of life is laid back and gentle.”
As authorities search for anyone connected with Nancy’s disappearance, President Donald Trump spoke with her daughter Savannah on Wednesday. A White House official told Fox News Digital on Wednesday afternoon that Trump had called and was able to speak with Guthrie, but the official didn’t give any further details on the conversation.
Trump said Tuesday he would offer federal assistance to help locate Nancy. The President called the case “very unusual” and “terrible.”
Nancy was reported missing around 11 am local time on Sunday morning after she didn’t show up for church.
Pima County Sheriff’s Office officials said there is no reason to believe the 84-year-old isn’t alive.
“We have nothing else to go on but the belief that she is here,” Sheriff Nanos said in an interview with NBC News Wednesday. “She’s present. She’s alive, and we want to save her.”
Pima County will hold another press conference on Thursday, February 5, at 11:00 am MST.
To learn more about this case, listen to the new podcast episode, Finding Nancy Guthrie, available on the Daily Wire website and the Daily Wire Plus podcast channel as well as Spotify and Apple platforms.

