Full Breakdown
FBI Arrests Imposter in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case
2/6/2026, 2:59:42 AM
Overview of the Incident
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" show anchor Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on February 1, 2026, after failing to attend her regular church service. She was last seen at her home in Tucson, Arizona, on January 31. The Pima County Sheriff's Department, alongside the FBI, has been actively investigating her disappearance, which is being treated as a potential kidnapping.
Arrest of Derrick Callella
On February 5, 2026, the FBI arrested Derrick Callella, a 42-year-old man from Los Angeles, for allegedly sending fake ransom demands to Nancy Guthrie's family. Callella reportedly texted Nancy's daughter, Annie Guthrie, and her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, asking if they had received the Bitcoin he was waiting for, shortly after the family made a public plea for Nancy's safe return. The FBI confirmed that Callella had been following the case through media reports and had obtained the family's contact information from a cyber website.
Details of the Ransom Notes
The investigation revealed that the Guthrie family received multiple ransom notes, including one demanding millions in Bitcoin. The FBI has taken these notes seriously, with one having a deadline set for 5 p.m. on February 5, and another for the following Monday. However, authorities clarified that Callella's texts were not connected to these ransom notes, and he was merely attempting to exploit the situation for personal gain.
Official Statements & Responses
FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke emphasized the seriousness of the situation, stating, “To those impostors who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation, we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions.” He also highlighted the urgency of Nancy's health needs, noting, “This is an 84-year-old grandma that needs vital medication for her well-being.”
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos reiterated that no suspects or persons of interest have been identified in connection with Nancy's disappearance, maintaining that the investigation is ongoing. He expressed hope, stating, “We have nothing that tells us she’s not... Our working belief is that she’s here, she’s present, and we want to rescue her.”
Criticism & Opposition
While the arrest of Callella has been a significant development, some critics have raised concerns about the potential for misinformation and the impact of false leads on the investigation. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified claims related to the case, as such actions can complicate ongoing efforts to locate Nancy Guthrie.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Despite the arrest of Callella, the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's actual disappearance remains unresolved. No verified ransom demand has been confirmed, and investigators continue to pursue all credible leads. The FBI has stated that they are operating under the belief that Nancy is still alive, but no suspects have been publicly identified in her case.
What's Next
The FBI and Pima County Sheriff's Department are continuing their investigation, focusing on analyzing digital communications and reviewing surveillance footage from the area surrounding Nancy's home. Authorities have also increased the reward for information leading to her recovery to $50,000, urging anyone with credible information to come forward.
