Sign in

Nancy Guthrie update: Sheriff points out potential motive to investigation team

Nancy Guthrie update: Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that Nancy Guthrie's disappearance might be linked to a wrench attack.

Published on: Jun 21, 2026, 18:33:18 IST
Share
Share via
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • whatsapp
Copy link
  • copy link

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has acknowledged a recent report indicating that Nancy Guthrie's disappearance might be linked to a wrench attack — a method where assailants employ kidnapping or violence to force a victim into surrendering cryptocurrency.

Nancy Guthrie's disappearance may be connected to a wrench attack involving cryptocurrency extortion, according to Sheriff Chris Nanos. (REUTERS)
Nancy Guthrie's disappearance may be connected to a wrench attack involving cryptocurrency extortion, according to Sheriff Chris Nanos. (REUTERS)

In a report released last month, the Web3 security firm CertiK identified the Nancy Guthrie case as an instance of a proxy target, referring to a vulnerable family member of the extortion target in a wrench attack.

Also Read: Nancy Guthrie case: Major update on Savannah's missing mom's Facebook activity amid ongoing probe

Nancy Guthrie update: Here's what Pima County Sheriff said

Additionally, in a post on X this week, Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz reported that although Nanos refrained from commenting on the CertiK report, he confirmed that he had brought it to the attention of the team investigating the Nancy Guthrie case.

Ruiz noted, however, that there is no official evidence suggesting that Nancy, the mother of Today's Savannah Guthrie, was involved in a wrench attack.

The CertiK report referenced previous claims of ransom notes related to the Nancy Guthrie case. Just days following Nancy's disappearance from her residence in Arizona, TMZ obtained an alleged ransom note that requested millions of dollars in Bitcoin for Nancy's release.

Simultaneously, Tucson news affiliate KGUN received a ransom note demanding $6 million.

On February 7, Savannah and her siblings publicly expressed their willingness to pay for their mother's return in an Instagram video. “We received your message, and we understand,” Savannah stated. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way that we will have peace. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

Nancy Guthrie update: Retired detective reacts to wrench attacks

In light of a reported increase in wrench attacks, Lisa J. Miller, a retired detective and former law enforcement executive at the Colorado Attorney General's Office, provided advice on how to remain safe.

Speaking to Fox News, Miller said, “Protecting ourselves requires the usual things we have all been told about before — restrict your social media profiles, never post photos of your home, know who the audience is when you post pictures of your children, family, visible signs of financial security.”

“Monitor your online presence when it comes to what data is available about you online,” Miller continued.

"It's all easier said than done because we live in an ever-increasing digital world, where more people know and have the skills to mine open source information to get data about you."

  • Shweta Kukreti
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Shweta Kukreti

    Shweta Kukreti has over 8 years of experience in covering Indian and world politics. She joined the Hindustan Times in 2024 and is primarily assigned to the US desk. She currently works as Deputy Chief Content Producer and reports on a wide range of topics, including US politics, immigration issues (especially H-1B visa) and major global events. Shweta strongly emphasizes team operations, which encompasses monitoring news, delegating tasks, editing, developing comprehensive coverage strategies, and crafting engaging, and data-informed narratives. She received the Digi Star Award at the Hindustan Times within a year of joining for her broad coverage of US politics. In 2025, she earned both a promotion and a redesignation, a significant achievement recognising her contributions and the strong value she brings to the team. She has previously worked with the Indian Express, HTDS, ANI and Republic World. Seniors in all the media organisations recognised her work. Regarding education, she earned a BA (Hons.) in Political Science and a master's degree from Delhi University, and she pursued a PG Diploma in English Journalism from the Indian Institution of Mass Communication (IIMC). She also holds a diploma in Women's Empowerment and Development from IGNOU University and a French certification course from Alliance Française de Delhi. If not working, you can find her exploring the hills and engaging in adventurous activities in Rishikesh and Himachal Pradesh. She loves to play badminton, volleyball, and chess, and spend time with her friends and family. She also enjoys spiritual activities.Read More

Stay updated with US News covering politics, crime, weather, local events, and sports highlights. Get the latest on Donald Trump and American politics along with Horoscope 2026.