Second note on Nancy Guthrie disappearance said she had died

A second note sent to media outlets stated that Nancy Guthrie had died shortly after being taken from her Arizona home, multiple law enforcement sources briefed on the investigation told CNN. The note followed an earlier message that demanded millions of dollars in ransom. Investigators believed both communications came from the person or people responsible for the disappearance.

Family response The family responded with an emotional video in which Savannah Guthrie said, "We got your message, and we understand." CNN and a Tucson television station agreed to a request from law enforcement and the family to withhold the contents of both notes so any future communications could be authenticated.

Earlier reports and investigation status Questions about the notes resurfaced Monday after TMZ founder Harvey Levin posted a video addressing reports of a letter related to the case. Levin said claims that he received a ransom note apologizing for Nancy Guthrie's death were false.

Levin said TMZ had received several emails from an individual claiming to know the alleged kidnappers and Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts and seeking about $100,000 for information. The FBI never paid the person sending the emails, Levin noted. The Pima County Sheriff's Department, which has led the case since Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, told CNN on Monday the investigation remains active and ongoing.

The search continues more than 20 weeks later.