Arrest for ‘imposter’ ransom demand made in connection with Nancy Guthrie case: FBI
A view of Nancy Guthrie's house after the disappearance of the 84-year-old mother of U.S. journalist and television host Savannah Guthrie, who went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona, February 5, 2026. Evan Garcia/Reuters
As the urgent search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, enters its fifth day, the FBI announced it has joined the investigation and has already made an arrest tied to what authorities described as an “imposter” ransom demand.
Nancy Guthrie, 84, is believed to have disappeared from her Arizona home early Sunday morning, according to authorities. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said during a Thursday briefing that no suspect or person of interest has yet been identified in her disappearance.
“Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there,” Nanos said. “We want her home.”
Investigators are operating under the assumption that she is alive and will continue doing so until proven otherwise.
The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery and the arrest and conviction of anyone responsible.
Guthrie was last seen Saturday night at her home in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson after being dropped off around 10 p.m. following dinner with family. When she failed to attend church Sunday morning, her family reported her missing around noon.
Sheriff Nanos revealed new details about suspicious activity overnight. At 1:47 a.m. Sunday, the home’s doorbell camera disconnected and has not been recovered. At 2:12 a.m., camera software registered motion but did not capture video because there was no active subscription. At 2:28 a.m., Guthrie’s pacemaker app recorded a disconnection from her phone.
Authorities also confirmed that Nancy Guthrie’s blood was found on her porch. However, investigators have not confirmed signs of forced entry or damage to cameras. Nanos noted that it remains unclear whether this case is a kidnapping or if Guthrie was specifically targeted.
“We cover all angles. We’re not going to dismiss anything,” he said.
Ransom letter investigated; alleged imposter arrested
Law enforcement is examining possible ransom communications to determine whether they are legitimate.
Heith Janke, special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix office, confirmed that a ransom letter was sent to several media outlets demanding payment by Thursday evening, with a second deadline set for Monday. The letter mentioned details such as an Apple Watch and a broken floodlight — information that could have been publicly known.
Despite that, Janke said investigators are treating the threat seriously.
Authorities arrested Derrick Callella in connection with what they called an “imposter” ransom attempt. According to a federal complaint, Callella allegedly sent text messages to Guthrie’s daughter and son-in-law demanding Bitcoin, using a fake phone number generated through an app. The account was traced back to an email linked to him.
The messages were sent shortly after Guthrie’s children posted a public video pleading for contact from anyone holding their mother.
Callella allegedly admitted to sending the texts after being read his Miranda rights, saying he was trying to see if the family would respond. He is not believed to be connected to the original Bitcoin ransom demand sent to a media outlet.
Janke issued a warning following the arrest: “To those imposters trying to take advantage of this situation, we will investigate and hold you accountable.”
Whether to engage with any ransom demands remains a decision for the family.
Family plea and expanding investigation
Savannah Guthrie and her siblings addressed the situation directly in a video message posted Wednesday, urging anyone with information to come forward.
“As a family, we are doing everything we can. We are ready to talk,” Savannah said. “But we need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. Please reach out to us.”
The FBI has now formally joined the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in the investigation, sending additional agents and digital forensic experts to assist. Investigators are reviewing data from banks, social media platforms, phone companies, and home security providers.
A Google spokesperson confirmed that the company, which owns Nest security cameras, is assisting law enforcement.
Nancy Guthrie has limited mobility and several health conditions but does not have cognitive issues. She relies on medication that authorities say could become life-threatening if not taken within 24 hours.
“Our mom is our heart and our home,” Savannah said in the video. “She is in constant pain and without her medicine. She needs it to survive.”
Janke urged anyone involved to reconsider.
“This is an 84-year-old grandmother who needs vital medication,” he said. “You still have time to do the right thing. Please return Nancy home.”
Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
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