LOS ANGELES — In a chilling development that has gripped the nation, TMZ founder Harvey Levin revealed on Thursday, February 19, 2026, that the media outlet has received a new, “graphic” ransom note regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. The 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie has been missing since February 1, and the latest communication marks the fourth such demand sent directly to the celebrity news organization.
Levin, appearing on several national news broadcasts, described the latest message as “ominous,” noting it includes specific financial demands in Bitcoin and suggests that the captors may have already fled the United States. “The note warns that authorities should be prepared to go international,” Levin stated, confirming that the FBI is now coordinating with Mexican authorities to track potential leads across the border.
FBI Investigates “Chilling” New Leads
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s abduction has intensified following a series of breakthroughs reported by TMZ. Federal authorities are currently reviewing doorbell camera footage from Tucson, Arizona, which shows a suspicious man with a goatee approaching a residence near Guthrie’s home just one week before she vanished. Additionally, a federal court-ordered SWAT raid was executed at a residence near East Orange Grove Road in Pima County, resulting in three individuals being detained for questioning.
While the FBI has not officially named any suspects, sources indicate they have obtained photos and names of individuals of interest. The ransom notes sent to TMZ have demanded sums as high as $6 million for Guthrie’s safe return.
Tragedy for Tommy Lee Jones Family
In other breaking celebrity news, officials have confirmed the cause of death for Victoria Jones, the 34-year-old daughter of Academy Award winner Tommy Lee Jones. According to medical examiner reports released this week, Victoria died from the toxic effects of a cocaine overdose. The actress, who appeared alongside her father in Men in Black II, was found in San Francisco earlier this year, marking a devastating loss for the Hollywood veteran’s family.
Legal Battles and Hollywood Splits
TMZ has also obtained legal documents confirming several high-profile celebrity legal shifts:
- Jessica Alba and Cash Warren: The couple has officially finalized their divorce, closing the chapter on their long-term marriage.
- Denise Richards: The 54-year-old actress was granted a temporary restraining order against her estranged husband, Aaron Phypers, following allegations of physical domestic violence.
- Christy Carlson Romano: The former Disney Channel star shared an emotional update with fans, tearfully revealing positive results from a recent cancer screening.
The “Thirty Mile Zone” Legacy
Founded in 2005 by Harvey Levin and the late Jim Paratore, TMZ—short for the “Thirty Mile Zone” surrounding Hollywood—has evolved from a digital startup into a powerhouse of entertainment journalism. Now owned by Fox Corporation, the outlet continues to be a primary source for breaking news, often outpacing traditional media through its vast network of sources and “intelligence agency” style of reporting.
Despite ongoing debates regarding tabloid ethics, TMZ’s role in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case highlights its unique position as a direct conduit between anonymous tipsters and law enforcement in high-stakes investigations.
Updated: 11:45 AM ET, Thursday, February 19, 2026.