India, Aug. 1 -- Authorities released an early ransom note in the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie in hopes that someone will recognize the writing style. A second note released Friday indicated Guthrie died shortly after she was kidnapped.

Both notes initially went to a Tucson television station days after the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show host Savannah Guthrie went missing from her home outside Tucson, Arizona on February 1.

However, authorities have not said whether Nancy Guthrie is still alive. The ransom notes were made public Friday by the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

The first note was sent to the tip line for CBS affiliate KOLD-TV in Tucson on February 2 and it addressed to Savannah Guthrie.

It s...