The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has taken a significant turn. The FBI has determined that multiple ransom notes and messages connected to the case are hoaxes, according to federal officials.

The bureau assessed three primary communications, including two ransom demands and a third message from a person claiming to have information about the kidnappers. "None of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine," an FBI official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the active investigation .

Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson, Arizona, home on the evening of January 31. She was reported missing the following day after failing to attend a church service, and authorities have since treated her disappearance as a potential abduction .

The first note, sent to media outlets shortly after her disappearance, demanded millions of dollars in cryptocurrency. The second note later claimed that Nancy had died, while a third message alleged the sender knew the identity of those responsible and possessed video evidence .

To test the authenticity of the initial ransom demand, the FBI deposited a small amount of cryptocurrency into the specified wallet. The money remained untouched, leading investigators to conclude that the sender was not connected to the actual disappearance . Investigators believe the first two notes were sent by the same individual or group, but they have been ruled out as coming from the perpetrators .

The Pima County Sheriff's Department, which is leading the overall investigation, has confirmed the case remains active and that evidence is still being analyzed. A spokesperson stated that DNA samples and video footage "remain under forensic analysis" .

Despite the setback of the false messages, investigators continue to follow physical evidence. Authorities confirmed early in the case that blood found on Nancy Guthrie's front porch matched her DNA . Surveillance footage released in February showed a person wearing a ski mask tampering with the doorbell camera near her home before she vanished .

A glove found near the residence was also tested, but the DNA did not match any profiles in the national criminal database . Authorities have received tens of thousands of tips, but no suspects have been publicly identified .

Savannah Guthrie has consistently appealed to the public for assistance and continues to offer a $1 million reward for information that leads to finding her mother . Her family has described the period since her mother's disappearance as one of "agony" .

While a recent FBI statement clarified that some messages have been deemed illegitimate, the agency noted that other demands are still being investigated for authenticity . The case remains a top priority for investigators.