Detained in Nancy Guthrie’s Case, Derrick Callella Contacted the Victim’s Family
The statement, which read like a nightmare, came as a surprise. The digital trail that followed led directly to a man who was watching the tragedy on television.
Derrick Callella, a man in his mid-forties from California, was detained for allegedly sending ransom-style texts to the Guthrie family, according to court filings. The texts, which made mention to bitcoin, arrived while the family was in dire need of clarification.
The Unsettling Text That Put an End to the Family’s Cold
The texts initially appeared as though they might be a part of something much darker. Federal prosecutors now claim they weren’t, but the timing didn’t make it any less unsettling.
Derrick is accused of getting in touch with Annie Guthrie and her husband, Tommaso Cioni, who are the family of Nancy Guthrie, 84, who went missing. According to reports, the family’s heartfelt public appeal was shortly followed by the SMS.
The actual message was succinct and terrifying. The text purportedly said, “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction?”
Investigators claim that Derrick called another Guthrie family member for nine seconds just a few minutes later. It is unclear from court documents which relative got the call.
The conversations were promptly reported to the police by the family. Investigators were then able to link the phone to Derrick’s California home.
An Unexpected Disclosure
Even seasoned investigators were taken aback by what authorities say transpired next… Derrick reportedly acknowledged at home that he had been watching the case on TV.
He told investigators that he discovered the family’s contact details on a website, according to the criminal complaint. Then, just to see what would happen, he sent the texts. “He said … he was trying to see if the family would respond,” the lawsuit reads.
Not connected to the Arizona ransom note, but charged
Since then, Derrick has been accused of two federal offenses including the transmission of communications requesting ransom. Titles 18 and 47 of the U.S. Constitution apply to the charges. Code. One important distinction that investigators were cautious to mention was that his messages have not been connected to the purported ransom note that was sent to a news station in Arizona on February 2, 2026.
For Nancy’s safe return, the prior note requested millions of dollars in bitcoin. Derrick’s communications, according to authorities, seem to be distinct.
However, the timing was concerning because the texts apparently appeared soon after Savannah Guthrie and her siblings published a devastating video in which they begged the potential kidnapper or abductors for proof of life.
An Unsettling Past for a Name
When investigators discovered Derrick’s identity matched a previous criminal record, the case took a different path. A huge unemployment fraud case has already accused someone with the same name and birth year.
That person was charged with embezzling almost $10,000 in benefits while employed by the county. Thirteen Los Angeles County employees were involved in a larger case that included the plan.
Between 2020 and 2023, those offenders were accused of stealing $437,383 in unemployment benefits. It’s still unclear how that case is progressing.
However, a far more disturbing concern has emerged as investigators have started to distinguish between serious threats and cruel hoaxes: What if Nancy’s disappearance isn’t a standalone mystery at all, but rather a component of something much closer to home?
Investigators may finally get the break they’ve been searching for after hearing a terrifying account from an elderly neighbor.
In the meantime, Savannah and her brothers’ heartbreaking appeal, in which they addressed the internet rumors, has highlighted how vital this hunt has become.
A Quiet Movement, Then Fear
Weeks before Nancy vanished, it took place. In Tucson, Arizona, a local man was getting comfortable for the night at his house when he noticed something insignificant: a motion sensor suddenly turned on.
His yard was illuminated by a floodlight a few moments later. At that moment, he noticed a man simply standing there.
The elderly neighbor told TMZ that “the loiterer” ran away and disappeared into the night on foot. The fear persisted even though nothing was taken and there was, in theory, no damage done.
It feels like something more now, though.
The meeting took place less than ten minutes from Nancy’s residence, according to confirmation from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Because of this close proximity, the enigmatic invader is now at the forefront of the broader investigation.
The investigators investigating Nancy’s disappearance have since been given the case to look for any connections.
A Tragic Lack
Nancy’s absence from her regular church service, which was totally out of character for the adored matriarch, marked the start of this whole nightmare.
Investigators now think that somewhere between Saturday evening, January 31, 2026, and Sunday morning, February 1, she was removed from her home. Naturally, her community and beyond were rocked by the news.
The neighborhood is calm and safe, according to the neighbors. This is the type of location where such an incident is not expected to occur. In an interview with People, resident Jeff Lamie, 59, said, “We’re in shock. This is really shocking. We just hope that she returns safely.”
As the questions grow, the sheriff speaks
Authorities have unable to identify a suspect in spite of mounting pressure and attention. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office asked individuals not to disseminate unverified information and reminded the public that no “person of interest” has been identified in a public statement uploaded on X.
However, there is still hope. According to officials, there is no cause to suspect Nancy is dead, and the goal of the inquiry is still to bring her home alive.
In an interview with NBC News, Sheriff Chris Nanos reaffirmed this viewpoint:
“We have nothing else to go on but the belief that she is here, she’s present, she’s alive, and we want to save her.”
Her family is just growing more desperate in spite of that guarantee.
The Guthrie Brothers and Sisters Beg for Their Mother
Savannah and her siblings expressed their sadness and resolve to do everything it takes to bring their mother home in a very moving statement.
The journalist expressed her gratitude to everyone for the outpouring of prayers for her mother in an Instagram video. She revealed that the family strongly believes Nancy feels that overwhelming love as well and feels every bit of that spiritual energy.
With unadulterated, heartbreaking love, she went on to characterize Nancy: “Our mother is a kind, faithful, loyal, fiercely loving woman of goodness and light. […] Talk to her, and you’ll see.”
Annie, her sister, went on to say, “The light is missing from our lives.” She also talked about how strong she is, how resilient she is, and how she has refused to allow life’s setbacks break her.
The most heartbreaking portion, which speaks for all children worldwide, then arrived. Annie read from a script and remarked, “We are always going to be merely human, just normal human people who need our mom,” while her sister sniffed.
The family really misses mom, so she sent Nancy a frantic message pleading with her mother to return home. Savannah then resumed her conversation, emphasizing how critical it was to locate Nancy as quickly as possible.
“Our mom is our heart and our home. She is 84 years old. Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer,” she stated.
Then, clearly addressing the person who may have done this, Savannah responded to the internet rumors that had been widely circulated in recent days.
“We too have heard the reports about a ransom letter in the media. As a family, we are doing everything that we can. We are ready to talk.”
However, they also made it painfully obvious that they cannot take action without evidence, particularly in this day of Photoshop and generative artificial intelligence.
“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. Please, reach out to us,” Savannah begged.
She concluded by giving Nancy one last stirring statement: “Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.”
Camron Guthrie, their brother, offered their mother love and urged her to remain strong.
Investigators have yet to ascertain whether Nancy’s disappearance is related to the dark figure that was captured on a motion sensor weeks prior. It is evident that the matter is still pending and that the anguish of not knowing anything about her is getting worse every day.
What We Currently Know
Nancy was last seen at her Tucson home on Saturday night. The Los Angeles Times said that investigators then inspected the property and discovered blood inside, according to law enforcement sources.
Officials have not said whether Nancy was hurt, nor have they identified whose blood was discovered.
Concern was heightened by another detail as investigators continued to analyze the scene. According to the individuals, who were not permitted to speak about the case in public, there were indications of forced entry, which could indicate that someone had entered the house prior to Nancy going missing.
Investigators discovered no proof that anything had been taken in spite of this. Despite the evidence of forced entry, Nancy’s personal things, including her car, pocketbook, and mobile phone, were all remained at the residence.
Investigators’ approach to the investigation is now centered on that inconsistency.
The Search Gets More Intense
Investigators think Nancy did not depart on her own, according to Chris of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD). He added that it is doubtful that she will leave without assistance due to her poor mobility.
During a press conference on Monday, February 2, the sheriff appealed for assistance from the public, requesting any reports of unusual activity or potential sightings of Nancy.
PCSD has set up a tip line and is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for any information, photos, or recordings that may identify the person guilty for her disappearance and lead to their arrest. The sheriff declared, “We need some help; we don’t need another horrible, tragic ending.”
Nanos added to the urgency by warning that if Nancy does not take a crucial drug she needs to take every day, her life will be in grave danger.
According to him, investigators are not aware of any particular threats connected to Savannah in relation to the disappearance of her mother. “We’re making every effort to find her,” the sheriff continued. “Every tool we have, we will use.”
Additionally, the sheriff made a direct plea to anyone who could be detaining Nancy, asking them to “just call us” and let her go, stating that the family wants her back with “no questions asked.”
Savannah, meanwhile, openly addressed the matter on Instagram, requesting that people offer prayers for her mother’s safe return home:
“thank you for lifting your prayers with ours for our beloved mom, our dearest Nancy, a woman of deep conviction, a good and faithful servant. raise your prayers with us and believe with us that she will be lifted by them in this very moment.”
The comments were made when officials described how their evaluation of the case had evolved.
As previously reported, the PCSD stated at a news conference that they believed a crime had been committed after processing the situation inside Nancy’s house.
After investigators processed the home, that evaluation was modified. “As I said yesterday, we saw some things at the home that were concerning to us. We […] do in fact have a crime scene. [..] We do in fact have a crime,” Chris added.
Concern was further increased by the change due to Nancy’s medical requirements.
The Reasons Investigators Think the Situation Is Suspicious
Officials cautioned during the news conference that she has a medical condition for which skipping the prescription for a full day “could be fatal.”
Officials said that in addition to departing without her prescription, they also thought Nancy did not go alone because of other events that occurred within the house. The homicide team’s Sergeant David Styver stated, “At this time, it’s still a very active investigation, and there were circumstances on scene that we believe are suspicious in nature.”
Chris stated that he was unable to reveal the specifics of those situations, stating that doing so would jeopardize the inquiry.
No Confusion, No Dementia, and Why That Is Important
Additionally, investigators took care to address rumors regarding Nancy’s mental state.
According to David, “I want to stress to you — and it is really important — Miss Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie, is of great sound mind. This is not dementia-related. She is as sharp as a tack. The family wants everybody to know this isn’t somebody who just wandered off.”
One important aspect of the case, according to the authorities, is that her limits are physical rather than cognitive.
The Timeline From Which Authorities Operate
Authorities said Nancy was last seen at her house at approximately 9:45 p.m. When her kids dropped her off and left her there on Saturday.
After someone at her church called to report her absence the next morning, family members got worried. They went to her house to see how she was doing after receiving the call.
After arriving at the residence, the family looked for her on their own before calling the police. According to investigators, they came at approximately 11 a.m. and dialed 911 after learning she was missing.
Around midday, the PCSD received the call and started working right away.
How the Inquiry Has Changed
Authorities used airplanes, drones, and ground personnel as part of a sweeping search operation in the early stages of the case. Since then, that stage has been put on hold while investigators focus on leads, technology, and evidence related to the crime site.
Investigators are looking through house data, neighborhood video systems, and license plate readers. Even if it doesn’t seem connected, they have asked neighbors to go over camera and doorbell recordings.
Additionally, authorities acknowledged that they own Nancy’s cell phone and are analyzing its contents. Chris said that there is no sign of an active threat when asked if the public is in danger, but that the neighborhood would still be surveyed.
The background article below gives you more detail on the investigation’s progress and the family’s reaction in case you missed our last report.
The Guthrie family released a previous public statement as authorities carried out their investigation, and Savannah’s 2023 reflections garnered further interest.
Family Reaction
On behalf of her family, Savannah, who is apparently in Arizona, posted a statement on “Today” expressing gratitude to the public for their condolences, prayers, and supportive words. She also said:
“Right now, our focus remains on the safe return of our dear mom. We thank law enforcement for their hard work on this case and encourage anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at (520) 351-4900.”
A personal insight regarding her relationship with her mother was expressed by the former lawyer years ago.
Regarding Her Mother, Savannah Guthrie
The television journalist has already discussed her mother’s encouragement and selflessness. In an April 2022 interview with “Today,” she discussed how her mother encouraged her to pursue her professional goals.
“And that’s when she said, ‘If you can’t leave me, then I didn’t do my job right, Savannah.’ She just gave me permission to go, you know?” she added, recalling a time when her mother encouraged her to follow her dreams despite the possibility of being apart.
mom responded, “It’s not because she didn’t want me to stay. Of course she wanted me to stay. But she’s like, ‘I’m not going to stand in the way of your dreams. I’m going to tell you, go go go go go.'”
