Josh Ritter on Nancy Guthrie case: FBI delay lost crucial evidence
Criminal defense lawyer Josh Ritter has spotlighted a significant misstep in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case—the FBI’s critical four-day delay that ultimately led to the loss of vital video footage capturing a suspect. Ritter underscores the urgent need for prompt investigation tactics to preserve essential evidence in criminal cases.
Intriguing excerpts from the initial ransom note associated with the Nancy Guthrie case have surfaced. The revelations come after a seasoned Arizona journalist presented them during a popular true crime podcast episode on Wednesday.
Briana Whitney, who was part of the Phoenix-based AZ Family news team when the case made headlines, joined Ashley Flowers on the “Crime Junkie” podcast. There, they delved into the ransom note and a peculiar “wrench attack” hypothesis that gained traction back in May.
A representative for “Crime Junkie” confirmed that the podcast wouldn’t release the ransom text itself, as it lacks independent verification. Nonetheless, Whitney captivated listeners by reading selections during the broadcast:
In the early hours of February 1, Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson residence, prompting investigators to approach the incident as a probable abduction. (Fox Flight Team; Courtesy of NBC)
“Hello Savannah, We have your mother Nancy,” she began, reading from what she said was the first note sent to local media. “She is safe but scared. She will be held for ransom, and once payment is received, she will be released unharmed. We will be holding her for a maximum of seven days.”
As previously conveyed by authorities, the sender gave two deadlines with increased money demands the longer it took.
“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,” Whitney read. “If the payment is not received by the last deadline on Monday the 9th at 5 p.m., she will be killed. Your mother is aware of this, and her life is in your hands.”
A source familiar tells News Media that two photos of the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie doorbell video were taken on different days. (FBI)
The sender left no room for further dialogue.
“It is in the best interest of everyone to have this completed as soon as possible,” the note reportedly continued. “You will not be able to contact me from here on out. There will be no negotiation. Do not play games. Law enforcement will not be able to help you.”
This image released by the FBI shows an armed individual, left, appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance in Tucson, Arizona, Feb. 1, 2026. An undated photo of Nancy Guthrie provided by NBC in response to the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie. (Provided by FBI; Courtesy of NBC)
The note also included details that may have only been available to investigators and the suspect at the time, including the location of Guthrie’s Apple watch and details about the smashed floodlight in her backyard.
She also read from a purported second note, which claimed that the kidnappers had underestimated Guthrie’s health and that she had died shortly after being taken. That note reportedly included an apology at the end.
Investigators stand in the entrance to the home of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, Ariz., Feb. 25, 2026. (Kat Ramirez for News Media)
Guthrie was taken from her Tucson home in the early morning hours of Feb. 1, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI.
The only known suspect remains publicly unidentified — a masked intruder who appeared on Nest doorbell camera video that the FBI recovered with help from Google.
He is described as standing between 5 feet, 9 inches and 5 feet, 10 inches tall with an average build. He was wearing a black Ozark Trail backpack.
The sum of rewards in the case is over $1.2 million.
Anyone with information is asked to dial 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Tucson’s Crime Stoppers affiliate at 520-88-CRIME.