While TODAY show host Savannah Guthrie desperately searches for her missing mother, federal agents arrested a California man for sending fake ransom demands — but the real kidnapper remains at large

The text message that appeared on Annie Guthrie’s phone was brief, unsettling, and arrived at the worst possible moment. Her 84-year-old mother, Nancy, had vanished from her Arizona home days earlier under horrifying circumstances. The family had just made an emotional public plea for answers. Then came the message: “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.”
Within 48 hours, FBI agents had traced the message to a residence in Hawthorne, California. What they discovered represented a disturbing subplot to an already tragic story — one that reveals how quickly predators emerge to exploit families in crisis.
The Arrest of Derrick Callella
On Thursday, February 6, 2026, federal agents arrested 42-year-old Derrick Callella at his California home. According to the criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, Callella stands accused of two federal crimes: transmitting a demand for ransom across state lines, and using a telecommunication device to harass and threaten without disclosing his identity.
The investigation moved with remarkable speed. Authorities identified that the threatening texts originated from a Voice over Internet Protocol number — essentially a fake phone number generated through an app that allows users to mask their real identity. Through emergency disclosure requests, investigators linked the account to an email address: derrickcallella@gmail.com. Further tracing connected the account’s access point to an IP address associated with Callella’s residence.
When confronted by FBI agents, Callella’s explanation was as brazen as it was disturbing.
“I Was Trying to See If the Family Would Respond”
FBI Special Agent Kerry Witherspoon, who authored the criminal complaint, detailed Callella’s confession. After being read his Miranda rights, Callella admitted to sending the text messages to Nancy Guthrie’s family members. He explained that he had been following the case closely on television and found the family’s contact information through what he described as a “cyber website.”
His motivation? According to the complaint, Callella stated he “was trying to see if the family would respond.”
He also reportedly attempted to place a phone call to another member of the Guthrie family. Phone records indicate the call lasted just nine seconds — long enough to terrify, but not long enough for meaningful communication.
The timing of Callella’s messages was particularly cruel. They arrived on Wednesday, February 5, just two days after a separate, potentially legitimate ransom demand had been sent to KOLD, a CBS affiliate in Tucson. The Guthrie family, already reeling from uncertainty about whether they were communicating with their mother’s actual captor, now had to contend with what federal prosecutors describe as an imposter trying to profit from their nightmare.
Not Connected to the Kidnapping — But Facing Serious Charges
Federal prosecutors were emphatic on one crucial point: Derrick Callella is not believed to be connected to Nancy Guthrie’s actual disappearance. This distinction is critical, as it means the person or persons responsible for taking the 84-year-old woman from her home are still unidentified and at large.
Callella appeared in federal court in Santa Ana on Friday, February 7. The judge ordered his release on a $20,000 bond with strict conditions: he is prohibited from contacting any victims or witnesses in the case. He did not enter a plea during the brief hearing.
If convicted, Callella faces significant federal prison time. Transmitting a ransom demand carries severe penalties under Title 18 of the U.S. Code, particularly when the demand crosses state lines. The harassment charge adds additional potential consequences.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke issued a stark warning following the arrest, clearly directed at others who might consider similar actions: “To those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation, we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.”
The Ongoing Nightmare: Nancy Guthrie Remains Missing
While Callella’s arrest provided a brief sense of justice, it did little to bring the Guthrie family closer to finding Nancy. The 84-year-old grandmother has now been missing for over a week, and every passing hour increases concerns about her health and safety.
According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who has been leading the local investigation, Nancy Guthrie was last seen by family members at approximately 9:48 p.m. on Saturday, January 31, 2026. Her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, dropped her off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson after she had spent the evening having dinner and playing games with family.
Security camera footage shows her garage door opened at 9:48 p.m. and closed at 9:50 p.m. That was the last confirmed sighting of Nancy Guthrie.
A Crime Scene That Tells a Disturbing Story
What investigators discovered at Nancy’s home the following day painted a chilling picture. The timeline authorities have pieced together is as follows:

1:47 a.m. Sunday: Nancy’s doorbell camera disconnected
2:12 a.m.: Motion detection software registered activity, but no video was captured due to an inactive service subscription
2:28 a.m.: Nancy’s pacemaker monitoring app showed a disconnect from her phone

By late Sunday morning, when Nancy failed to appear at church services as expected, a fellow congregant contacted the family. At 11:56 a.m., relatives arrived at her home and found her missing. At 12:03 p.m., they called 911.
Sheriff Nanos confirmed that investigators found blood outside the residence that DNA testing confirmed belonged to Nancy Guthrie. The scene led authorities to immediately classify this as an abduction rather than a missing person case.
“We saw some things at the home that were concerning to us,” Nanos told reporters during a press conference. “We believe she was taken out of the home against her will, and that’s how this investigation is moving.”
Nancy’s cellphone, medication, and personal belongings were all left behind — strong indicators she did not leave voluntarily. This is particularly significant given Nancy’s physical limitations. Sheriff Nanos noted that family members described Nancy as someone who “couldn’t walk 50 yards” without assistance, making it impossible for her to have traveled any distance on her own.
A Race Against Time
Nancy Guthrie’s medical condition adds urgent desperation to the search. She has a pacemaker and requires daily medication for a chronic condition. Without access to that medication, her health could rapidly deteriorate. Sheriff Nanos emphasized this grim reality: “The clock is literally ticking.”
Despite these challenges, Nancy is described by her family as being “of sound mind” and “sharp as a tack.” This is not a case of a vulnerable adult with dementia who might have wandered away confused. Sheriff Nanos stressed this point repeatedly to counter any speculation that Nancy’s disappearance could be explained by cognitive issues.
“I want to stress to you, and it is really important: Miss Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie is of great sound mind,” Nanos told reporters. “This is not a dementia-related, she is as sharp as a tack. The family wants everybody to know this isn’t somebody who just wandered off.”
A Daughter’s Anguish
Savannah Guthrie, the popular co-anchor of NBC’s TODAY show, has stepped away from her broadcasting duties to be with her family in Arizona. She was scheduled to co-host coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies but immediately canceled those plans when her mother went missing.
In a series of increasingly emotional video statements posted to social media, Savannah and her siblings — Annie and Camron — have made direct appeals to whoever might be holding their mother.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media,” the siblings said in one video. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen.”
The references to manipulated voices and images reflect a modern concern in kidnapping cases: the prevalence of deepfake technology. The family’s request for proof of life is complicated by the reality that AI-generated content could potentially be used to deceive them into believing Nancy is alive when she may not be, or vice versa.
In their most recent video, posted Saturday, February 8, Savannah appeared flanked by her sister and brother, holding their hands. “We received your message and we understand,” she said, suggesting the family may have received additional communication. “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace.”
Then, addressing the financial demand directly: “This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”
The fact that this latest plea was posted publicly on Instagram, rather than communicated through private channels, suggests to some experts that the family may not have established direct contact with Nancy’s actual captor. Josh Campbell, a CNN correspondent and former FBI agent who worked kidnapping cases, noted that when legitimate lines of communication exist in kidnapping negotiations, they are typically kept strictly confidential.
Multiple Ransom Notes Under Investigation
Adding to the confusion surrounding Nancy’s disappearance are reports of multiple ransom demands, each with varying levels of credibility.
The first known demand was sent to KOLD-TV in Tucson on February 2 through the station’s online tip portal. According to FBI officials, this message demanded millions of dollars in Bitcoin for Nancy’s return and included specific payment instructions with a Bitcoin wallet address. The note reportedly contained two deadlines — one that has already passed and another scheduled for Monday, February 10.
It was after this initial ransom note that Callella sent his copycat messages, adding a layer of chaos to an already desperate situation. Authorities now face the challenge of determining which communications are legitimate and which are cruel hoaxes.
Most recently, on Friday, February 7, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced they are investigating yet another message regarding Nancy Guthrie. Authorities described themselves as “actively inspecting” this new communication for authenticity but have not publicly disclosed its contents.
National Attention and Federal Resources
The case has drawn national attention, both because of Savannah Guthrie’s public profile and because of the disturbing nature of the crime. President Donald Trump personally called Savannah Guthrie on February 4 to express his support and offer federal assistance.
“I am directing ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family’s and Local Law Enforcement’s, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
The FBI has taken an active role in the investigation, with agents from multiple divisions working alongside local authorities. The bureau is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery and the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
Additionally, digital billboards featuring Nancy’s photo and the FBI tip line number have been posted in Albuquerque, New Mexico, with plans to expand to other nearby states. This program, which the FBI has successfully used in previous cases, aims to cast a wide net in hopes that someone, somewhere, has seen or knows something about Nancy’s whereabouts.
Local organizations have also stepped up. 88-Crime, a nonprofit that works closely with law enforcement in southern Arizona, has offered an additional reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to an arrest.
The Investigation Continues
As the search enters its second week, investigators continue to work multiple angles. On Friday, February 7, officers returned to Nancy’s home and the surrounding neighborhood with an amended search warrant. K-9 units were deployed, and forensic teams conducted additional analysis of the crime scene.
Authorities have also been searching for a vehicle or vehicles that may be connected to the case. NBC News learned that law enforcement visited a Circle K gas station on Oracle Road in Tucson after receiving a tip about a vehicle of interest. A spokesperson for the chain confirmed that they provided investigators with access to surveillance footage, though it remains unclear whether that lead produced actionable evidence.
Sheriff Nanos has indicated that investigators are examining all possibilities and ruling out no one. “We’re actively looking at everybody we come across in this case, everybody,” he stated. However, he also emphasized that authorities do not currently believe the general public is in danger.
When asked whether Nancy might have been targeted specifically because she is Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nanos said investigators have not found evidence of prior threats against Savannah or the family, though they cannot completely dismiss that possibility.
A Community Rallies
Beyond law enforcement efforts, the Tucson community has rallied around the Guthrie family. Prayer vigils have been held, with friends and colleagues of both Nancy and Savannah attending to offer support.
Sally Shamrell, who worked with Savannah at a local NBC station earlier in her career, organized one such service. She described Nancy as “like a second mother” and spoke of the family’s deep roots in the Tucson community, where Nancy has lived for more than five decades.
Signs showing support for the family have appeared in yards throughout the neighborhood, and social media has been flooded with messages of prayer and encouragement using hashtags like #FindNancyGuthrie and #BringNancyHome.
The Psychology of Hoax Ransom Demands
Callella’s actions, while shocking, are not unprecedented. Forensic psychologist Dr. Michael Stone, who has studied criminal behavior for decades, notes that high-profile kidnapping cases often attract what he calls “secondary predators” — individuals who see an opportunity to exploit the situation for financial gain, attention, or, disturbingly, simply to see if they can manipulate the victims.
“These individuals are often attention-seeking personalities with low empathy,” Dr. Stone explains. “They see a family’s suffering broadcast on television and, rather than feeling compassion, they see an opportunity. It’s a form of psychological opportunism.”
The relatively light consequences historically associated with filing false reports may embolden some perpetrators, though federal charges in cases like Callella’s carry much stiffer penalties than state-level false reporting charges.
What makes these hoax communications particularly damaging is the toll they take on families who are already in crisis. Each new message brings a surge of hope — could this be the real kidnapper? — followed by crushing disappointment when it proves false. This emotional whiplash can be psychologically devastating.
What Happens Next
As the investigation moves forward, authorities face several critical challenges:
1. Authentication: Determining which ransom communications, if any, are legitimate remains a primary focus. This requires careful analysis of digital forensics, linguistic patterns, and any specific details about Nancy that only her actual captor would know.
2. Time sensitivity: Nancy’s medical needs create a ticking clock. While authorities have not publicly stated how long she can safely go without her medication, the urgency increases with each passing day.
3. Public awareness: Expanding the search beyond Arizona to neighboring states and potentially nationwide increases the chances that someone will spot Nancy or recognize crucial details that could break the case open.
4. Digital investigation: Modern kidnappings often leave digital footprints — cell phone records, surveillance footage, electronic payments. The FBI’s Cyber Division is likely working to trace any digital communications and financial transactions related to the case.
5. Preventing copycat crimes: Callella’s arrest sends a message to would-be hoaxers, but authorities must remain vigilant against additional fake ransom attempts that could further traumatize the family and muddy the investigation.
How You Can Help
Authorities are urging anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Tips can be submitted to:

FBI Tip Line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
Pima County Sheriff’s Department: 520-351-4900
88-Crime: 520-882-7463

Sheriff Nanos has specifically asked residents in the Catalina Foothills area to review any home security camera footage from the early morning hours of February 1. He’s also asked neighbors to be alert for any unusual activity or vehicles that don’t belong in the area.
“If you think you see Nancy Guthrie, take a picture, take a video, and alert authorities immediately,” Nanos emphasized. “Every piece of information helps.”
A Family’s Hope
Despite the passage of time and the lack of concrete leads, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings continue to express hope that their mother will be found alive.
In her public statements, Savannah has described her mother as “a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light.” She described Nancy as funny, spunky, and clever — a woman of deep faith who has been a pillar of her Tucson community for more than 50 years.
“We won’t rest until we’re all together again,” Savannah said in one emotional video message, speaking directly to her mother as if she might somehow hear the words. “We’re doing everything we can. We love you. We’re coming for you.”
As law enforcement continues their search and the investigation expands, one thing remains painfully clear: while Derrick Callella’s arrest may have brought one small measure of justice, the Guthrie family’s nightmare is far from over. Nancy Guthrie is still missing, and every hour that passes makes her safe recovery less certain.
The real kidnapper — whoever they are — remains free. And a family waits, hopes, and prays for a miracle.

If you have any information about Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900. A $50,000 reward is being offered for information leading to her recovery.