Alleged Bitcoin Ransom Note Sent to TMZ in Case Involving ‘Today’ Show Host’s Missing Mother

A highly disturbing development has emerged in the disappearance of Eleanor Vance, 78, the mother of popular ‘Today’ show host Marcus Vance. TMZ confirmed late yesterday that it had received an alleged ransom note demanding a significant sum in Bitcoin for Ms. Vance’s safe return.

Eleanor Vance has been missing for five days, having disappeared from her suburban Connecticut home. The anonymous communication, reportedly sent to TMZ’s editorial tips line via an encrypted email, bypassed traditional channels, suggesting the perpetrators sought maximum leverage through media exposure.

Sources close to the investigation state the note demanded the transfer of 12.5 Bitcoin (BTC), an amount currently valued at approximately $500,000 USD, into a specific digital wallet address. The ransom note included a tight deadline, reportedly instructing the Vance family to complete the transfer by midnight Friday, or face dire consequences.

The document allegedly contained a brief ‘proof of life’ reference, though its authenticity has not been independently verified by either the family or law enforcement. The deliberate choice to contact a major celebrity news outlet like TMZ, rather than police, is seen by investigators as a sophisticated tactic designed to apply immediate public pressure on the Vance family.

Both the FBI’s cybercrime unit and the local Greenwich Police Department have launched a high-priority investigation focusing on the digital forensics of the email and the tracing capabilities of the provided Bitcoin wallet address. The host, Marcus Vance, released a brief statement through his network yesterday, pleading with the captors to communicate directly with authorities and stressing his mother’s need for daily medication.

TMZ representatives confirmed they immediately handed over all metadata and information related to the communication to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Out of concern for Ms. Vance’s safety, the outlet has agreed not to publish the specific content of the note or the cryptocurrency wallet details.

Source: Alleged Bitcoin Ransom Note Sent to TMZ in Case Involving ‘Today’ Show Host’s Missing Mother