It's 2026, and there is an active kidnapping for ransom plot happening in the United States. People were shocked to learn this week that Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, was taken from her home. When blood was detected, and a ransom note demanding millions in bitcoin was revealed, things kicked into overdrive. Unfortunately, not all humans are good, and some saw this nightmare as an opportunity to scam. Thankfully, authorities are staying active and have arrested an imposter who tried to take advantage of the case.
© Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty IAccording to People, law enforcement confirmed Thursday, February 5, that one person has been taken into custody. During a press conference held by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, FBI Agent Heith Janke made it clear that there are no leads to the disappearance itself.
“We have made one arrest related to an imposter ransom demand,” Janke said, adding that charges would be presented to a magistrate judge later that day. He also issued a firm warning to anyone attempting to exploit the situation. “We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” he said.
The suspect, identified as Los Angeles resident Derrick Callella, allegedly sent text messages to Nancy’s daughter Annie and son-in-law Tommaso Cioni asking, “Did you get the bitcoin we're waiting on our end for the transaction?”
TMZ reported that the messages were sent shortly after Savannah shared a video of her siblings publicly pleading for Nancy’s safe return. In the clip, Savannah referenced a ransom note and asked for proof of life.
© Savannah GuthrieInvestigators allege he used a virtual phone number tied to an email account with his own name, with records showing the number was accessed from an IP address associated with his California home.
Callella reportedly admitted to sending the texts, telling authorities he had gathered the family’s contact information from a cyber website and had been closely following media coverage of the case. He also allegedly placed a brief 9-second phone call to a Guthrie family member.
He now faces two federal charges: intent to transmit a ransom demand and making a phone call without disclosing identity to harass or threaten.
Meanwhile, at Thursday's press conference about the case, FBI Phoenix Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke said what is believed to be the real ransom note had a deadline of 5 p.m. on February 5. "If a transfer wasn’t made, the second demand was for next Monday,” he said, per PEOPLE. “I’m not going to go beyond that.”
There has still been no proof of life, and the ransom note did not include a way to contact them.
