Police have arrested a California man after he sent disturbing ransom-style messages to the family of Nancy Guthrie, the missing 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie.
Court records say Derrick Callella, in his mid-40s, sent text messages to members of the Guthrie family that mentioned bitcoin. The messages arrived shortly after the family made an emotional public plea for help. Investigators say he also placed a brief phone call to another family member. The family reported the messages to police, who traced them back to his home in California.
According to prosecutors, Callella later told officers he had been following the case on television. He said he found the family’s contact details online and sent the messages to see if they would respond. Authorities stressed that his messages are not linked to the separate ransom note sent to a news outlet demanding money for Nancy’s return.
Callella has been charged with federal offenses related to sending ransom demands across state lines. Officials said the arrest is tied only to the messages and does not mean he is responsible for Nancy’s disappearance.
NEW: Photo of L.A. man arrested for sending texts to Guthrie family asking for bitcoin, according to Feds. Derrick Callella. pic.twitter.com/rL8mq0kNyD
— Matt Finn (@MattFinnFNC) February 6, 2026
Meanwhile, investigators believe Nancy was taken from her home in Tucson. Her phone, car, and belongings were left behind, and she needs daily medication. Police say there is no proof she is deceased and the search remains focused on bringing her home alive.