More than six months into the search for Nancy Guthrie, a well-known forensic psychologist says he doesn't believe the two ransom notes tied to her disappearance are genuine.
Dr. Kris Mohandie, who previously helped persuade O.J. Simpson to surrender to police, told Fox News Digital he supports investigators' decision to release the full text of both letters, since doing so could jog memories and generate new leads. But he was direct about his own read on them: "I don't think the ransom note is legit, and I don't think that that letter days later is legitimate - but I think it's appropriate for law enforcement to investigate it just in case it might be."
Mohandie pointed to several details he considers red flags, including inconsistent pronouns in the letters and the unusual decision by whoever sent them to also contact a media organization. He said the writer's references to Guthrie's Apple Watch, Bitcoin, and email communication suggest someone comfortable with technology - details that could help investigators identify the author, whether or not the notes turn out to be real.
Rather than a kidnapping-for-ransom, Mohandie theorized the case may have started as a burglary that went wrong, with the notes possibly written afterward in an attempt to redirect the investigation.
Guthrie, 84, mother of "Today" co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing from her Tucson home on February 1 after she failed to appear for an online church service the previous morning - a service her family says she never missed. Investigators have said some ransom communications are considered "potentially legitimate" while others have been traced to unrelated hoaxes.
Through six months without answers, the Guthrie family's faith has remained a visible constant, with Savannah repeatedly asking supporters on-air to keep praying for her mother's safe return. JubileeCast will continue following developments in this case as they emerge.
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- Retired FBI Profiler Points to New Clues in Ransom Notes After Six Months
- Sheriff Says Tips Are Rising After Ransom Notes Went Public
- Search Group Says Sheriff Turned Down Their Help Finding Her
- Why One Investigator Doesn't Believe the Ransom Notes at All
