Whispers of a chilling message have surfaced as detectives scour the night-time disappearance of a beloved television star’s elderly mother, raising fears of a calculated plot, a digital money trail, and a race against time.

The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, took a dark and dramatic turn after reports surfaced of an alleged ransom note connected to the case.

Authorities in Arizona say they are aware of the claims and are treating the information with urgency as the search intensifies.

Pima County Sheriff’s officials acknowledged the growing speculation in a public statement, confirming they are actively tracking down every possible lead.

In a statement shared on X, the department said it is aware of circulating claims involving a possible ransom note tied to Nancy’s disappearance, adding that every tip is being assessed and routed directly to detectives working closely with the FBI.

The unsettling development gained national attention after TMZ reported it received an alleged ransom note early Tuesday morning.

According to the outlet, the message demanded payment in Bitcoin in exchange for Nancy’s release, calling for a specific sum described as being in the millions and providing a working Bitcoin address.

TMZ said it verified that the cryptocurrency address is real. The alleged note reportedly included a firm deadline and contained threatening language, warning of consequences if the demand was not met — a detail that sent fresh shockwaves through an already tense investigation.

According to TMZ, the alleged note went even further, including intimate details about Nancy and her Tucson-area home. The sender referenced an item at the residence that was allegedly damaged, suggesting direct access to the property.

During a live broadcast, TMZ staff also discussed clothing mentioned in the note, pointing out a troubling discrepancy between what was said on air and what the message claimed. The outlet said it immediately forwarded the alleged ransom demand to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.

Separately, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed to CBS News that a ransom note was also sent to a local Arizona news station following Nancy’s disappearance. The station chose not to report on it and instead handed it over to investigators.

Chris said the note contained specific details about the home and what Nancy was wearing that night, though he stopped short of confirming its authenticity.

“It’s like any piece of evidence,” he told CBS News. “You give it to us, you give us a lead, we’re going to look at every aspect of that lead.” He added that the investigators are reviewing the note and taking it seriously.

Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on Sunday, and investigators believe she was abducted from her home in the middle of the night.

Authorities have continued to stress one point that refuses to go away: investigators do not believe Nancy left her home on her own.

Sheriff Chris has repeatedly said Nancy, who lives alone, has no cognitive issues and very limited mobility. These details make it far less likely she simply wandered off into the night.

Instead, he has said investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, deepening fears that this was no misunderstanding, but something far more sinister.

Chris has also raised serious concerns about Nancy’s health, warning that the danger may be growing by the hour. He told CBS News that she needs daily medication and could be in jeopardy without it. “The clock is literally ticking,” Sheriff Chris said.

He added, “You’ve placed her in great jeopardy without giving her meds that are critical to her. Again, like I’ve said, could be fatal if she doesn’t get those meds.”

Investigators have not determined how many people may have been involved in the apparent abduction. Chris said authorities do not yet know if the act was carried out by one person or more than one. “It could be one, it could’ve been more, I don’t know,” he said.

According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, Nancy was last seen at her Tucson residence around 9:30 p.m. Saturday.

Officials have not publicly detailed the events leading up to her disappearance. However, Sheriff Chris said on Monday that investigators believe a crime occurred. “We do, in fact, have a crime,” he said.

A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital that investigators believe Nancy was either kidnapped or abducted.

“Sheriff [Chris] Nanos has stated that he believes that a crime has been committed,” the spokesperson said. “At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will and that includes possible kidnapping or abduction.”

Law enforcement sources have confirmed physical evidence at the scene. A source familiar with the investigation told CBS News that a small amount of blood was found inside Nancy’s home. What appeared to be dried blood was also seen near a doormat outside the front door.

A separate law enforcement source told Fox News Digital that blood drops were observed leading from the entryway toward the driveway — a detail that only intensified the dread surrounding what may have happened in those terrifying moments.

Chris later said Nancy was “physically removed from that home against her will,” but declined to say whether she was injured.

He also said investigators do not know whether the person involved was someone familiar to Nancy or a stranger — leaving family and investigators facing a nightmare question: was this personal, or was it random?

Family members became concerned after Nancy did not attend church on Sunday morning. Chris said relatives went to her home to check on her, but she was not there. That discovery prompted a search and a broader law enforcement response.

During a media briefing, Chris said the home had been thoroughly searched and that DNA samples were being processed. He said the sheriff’s department is working with state and federal agencies as the search continues.

Jon Edwards, the FBI’s special agent in charge in Tucson, said federal authorities are reviewing multiple investigative angles, including cell phone records.

The case has drawn national attention because Nancy is the mother of NBC “Today” co-host Savannah. She released a statement on Monday on the program.

“On behalf of our family, I want to thank everyone for the thoughts, prayers and messages of support. Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom,” the statement said.

As the search continues, investigators say every lead is being evaluated. Authorities have said they are coordinating closely with the FBI and reviewing evidence tied to the alleged ransom note, the condition of the home, and physical findings at the scene.

Law enforcement officials continue to urge the public to share any information that could help bring Nancy Guthrie home safely.