Whoa. This is a shocking update… and so f**king disappointing!
TMZ has revealed on Monday that, per the FBI, the ransom note they received pertaining to Nancy Guthrie‘s kidnapping was likely the real deal!
As Perezcious readers know, the outlet was sent a ton of ransom notes during the search for Savannah Guthrie‘s mother earlier this year. They seemed to be from the same person, who claimed they knew who took the 84-year-old and where she was. They wanted a single Bitcoin in return for information, and urged that “time is of the essence.” Unfortunately, the next day, the guy sent another email updating that “time is no longer of the essence,” implying that Nancy had passed away. He went on to claim that Nancy was taken to Mexico and would share more details if given money, which he needed to go into hiding for fear of retribution. The person was unwilling to go directly to the authorities because he was worried they’d implicate him in the crime.
Related: YouTuber Arrested Outside Nancy Guthrie’s Home
TMZ shared all the emails with the FBI and worked closely with the organization throughout the investigation. Until…
About a month ago, the outlet claims they called the FBI because they believed the person who sent in the ransom note was legit. Why? Well, they felt he wouldn’t have admitted that time was no longer an issue because a real scammer would’ve wanted to maintain urgency. TMZ also shut down recent reports that the ransom note contained an apology or revelation that Nancy was dead, insisting the only thing close to that was the time comment.
The outlet told the law enforcement agency that they wanted to make a documentary and asked if it’d be ok to pay the Bitcoin request to determine where it led. They didn’t want to interfere with the ongoing investigation or the Guthrie family’s plans by doing so without permission, and so they wanted to know if it would be at all helpful in the case. TMZ claims the FBI called it an “interesting” idea and said they’d get back to the outlet.
A few days later, the same contact at the FBI told the outlet, “it’s something they’re looking into.” But a week later, the agency went “radio silent” on Harvey Levin. He says he’s called them half a dozen times since and has been completely ghosted, something that’s incredibly odd because the org was always very responsive beforehand. But for whatever reason, this request seemed to severe their working relationship. And Harvey has no idea why.
Frankly, this is also really strange because TMZ claims the FBI actually put about $270 into a Bitcoin account believed to belong to the kidnapper earlier into the investigation, though it didn’t allow them to track anyone down. But it’s a tactic they’ve used before. So, why not try again with a different account — and one they think might lead to real information? Especially when they don’t even have to put up the money? At the very least, why not respond to the inquiry?? It’s disappointing and confusing!
Watch the shocking update:
Why would they go silent? If it’s not a helpful suggestion, they could just say that! Sigh. Still, we have to trust that the FBI knows what they’re doing here, as confusing as it may be right now on the surface.
What do YOU think is going on here? Sound OFF (below).
[Image via KGUN 9 News/YouTube & Savannah Guthrie/Instagram]