Federal authorities have made a swift arrest in connection with a fraudulent ransom demand tied to the high-profile disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie. The breakthrough came on February 5, 2026, mere hours before the expiration of the first deadline in what investigators describe as a legitimate ransom note sent to media outlets. The arrested individual, identified as Derrick Callella, a 42-year-old man from Hawthorne, California (with previous ties to Los Angeles County), stands accused of posing as the abductor to extort the grieving family through fake communications demanding Bitcoin payments.
The case began when Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home in the Catalina Foothills area of Tucson, Arizona, on February 1, 2026. Family members reported her missing after she failed to respond following a routine family dinner drop-off the previous evening. Pima County Sheriff’s deputies arrived to find signs of a forced abduction: blood on the porch matching Nancy’s type, a disconnected home security camera shortly before her disappearance, and no evidence she left voluntarily—especially given her limited mobility and reliance on medication. Authorities classified the incident as a kidnapping, with homicide detectives involved from the outset due to the concerning circumstances.
As the search intensified, involving the FBI’s Phoenix field office and a $50,000 reward for information leading to her safe return or an arrest, multiple ransom communications surfaced. One purported note, emailed to local Tucson station KOLD-TV and other outlets including TMZ, demanded a substantial sum in Bitcoin (reports suggested millions), included specific details like an Apple Watch and floodlight from the scene that only the perpetrator would know, and set a first deadline of 5 p.m. on February 5, with a second on February 9 if unmet. The family, including Savannah Guthrie, her siblings, and relatives, released emotional video pleas urging any captor to make contact and provide proof of life, emphasizing their prayers and belief that Nancy remains alive.
Amid this tension, opportunistic exploitation emerged. On February 4-5, family members—including sister Annie Guthrie and son-in-law Tommaso Cioni—received text messages from a VOIP (voice-over-internet-protocol) number asking, “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.” These messages arrived shortly after the family’s public plea for proof of life, prompting immediate suspicion. FBI agents traced the anonymous number to an email address and ultimately to Callella’s residence in Hawthorne. He was arrested on federal charges including transmitting a ransom demand in interstate commerce and using telecommunications devices with intent to harass, threaten, or abuse.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke described the suspect as a “total imposter” during a February 5 press conference, stressing that this arrest pertains to a separate, illegitimate demand and does not involve the genuine ransom note under active investigation. Authorities emphasized zero tolerance for anyone profiting from the tragedy, vowing accountability for such actions. Callella, reportedly a former Los Angeles County employee previously accused in unrelated unemployment benefits fraud, has no direct link to Nancy’s disappearance or the authentic ransom communications, per court documents.
The arrest provided a momentary sense of progress in an otherwise agonizing case, yet it underscored the challenges of high-profile abductions in the digital age—where scammers can exploit public grief via anonymous tools like cryptocurrency and VOIP. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos reiterated at the briefing that investigators “absolutely” believe Nancy is still alive and “out there,” urging continued public vigilance. No primary suspect or person of interest has been named in the actual kidnapping, and the search remains focused on leads from the legitimate ransom note, which officials are treating seriously due to its verifiable details.
Nancy’s family has maintained a united front, sharing faith-filled messages and pleas through Savannah Guthrie’s platforms. Savannah, known for her composed on-air presence, has spoken openly about the family’s ceaseless prayers and the emotional toll, while siblings like Camron Guthrie issued additional appeals as deadlines approached and passed without resolution on the real demand. The first deadline expired without payment or confirmed contact from the true captor, shifting focus to the upcoming Monday deadline.
Experts note that imposter scams in missing persons cases are unfortunately common, preying on desperation for quick gains. In this instance, the rapid tracking and arrest demonstrate effective inter-agency coordination between local sheriff’s deputies, the FBI, and federal prosecutors. It serves as a deterrent while allowing resources to refocus on Nancy’s recovery.
As the investigation enters its critical phase, hope persists amid heartbreak. Nancy, described by loved ones as vibrant despite her age and health needs, remains the center of an exhaustive effort spanning Arizona deserts and beyond. The Guthrie family’s resilience—balancing public advocacy with private anguish—has drawn widespread support, from celebrity messages to anonymous tips flooding law enforcement lines.
Whether the genuine ransom leads to a breakthrough or the arrest marks the first step in unraveling broader motives, one truth endures: the search for Nancy Guthrie continues with unwavering determination. Authorities and family alike plead for any information, no matter how small, to bring her home safely.