BREAKING UPDATE: Derrick Callella Tɑken Into Custody in Nancy Guthrie Case as Authorities Unveil Shσcking Alleged Motive, Leaving the Community Stunned and Demanding Answers About What Truly
BREAKING UPDATE: Derrick Callella Tɑken Into Custody in Nancy Guthrie Case as Authorities Unveil Shσcking Alleged Motive, Leaving the Community Stunned and Demanding Answers About What Truly
The message arrived at the worst possible moment — brief, cryptic, and terrifying in its timing. As the Guthrie family pleaded publicly for help finding their missing mother, an unexpected text referencing bitcoin landed on their phones, instantly raising fears of something far more sinister. The communication was reported to the police immediately, triggering an investigation that led authorities across state lines to a man in California who had been following the case closely.
Court records identify the suspect as Derrick Callella, a man in his mid-40s who was detained after allegedly sending messages to relatives of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, who vanished from her Arizona home. Prosecutors say the texts carried ransom-style language and were sent shortly after the family released an emotional appeal for information. Investigators also report that a brief phone call was placed to another family member around the same time, heightening alarm during an already agonizing search.
Authorities say Callella later admitted he had been tracking the disappearance through news coverage and located family contact information online. According to court documents, he claimed the messages were sent out of curiosity to see whether the family would respond. Officials stressed that while serious charges have been filed related to transmitting ransom-type communications, the messages are not connected to a separate ransom note previously sent to an Arizona news outlet.
As the investigation continues, law enforcement remains focused on separating cruel hoaxes from real threats while maintaining hope that Nancy Guthrie can still be found alive. No suspect has been named in her disappearance, and authorities urge the public to avoid speculation and share only verified information.
Blood was found in the home of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie’s missing 84-year-old mom, — with the local sheriff confirming that authorities fear “a possible kidnapping or abduction.”
The blood was found alongside signs of forced entry and a struggle in the house in Catalina Hills, Arizona, law enforcement sources told The Post. It was not immediately confirmed whose blood it was.
Nancy Guthrie, whom Savannah calls her “best friend,” was reported missing Sunday, hours after returning from dinner the night before.
Blood was reportedly found in the home of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie’s mom.
savannahguthrie/Instagram
“At this point, investigators believe she was taken from the home against her will, possibly [in the] middle of the night,” Pima County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson Kevin Adger confirmed to the LA paper.
“Detectives are looking into a possible kidnapping or abduction.”
Police also announced a $2,500 reward while asking for images, videos, or details that lead to the alleged abductor’s arrest.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos appealed directly to anyone involved.
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Savannah Guthrie with her mom, Nancy, 84, in an undated photo. Nancy is believed to have been abducted.
savannahguthrie/Instagram
“Just call us. Let her go. Just call us. The family will tell you, there’s no questions asked here,” he told NBC News. “We don’t need another bad, tragic ending.”
DNA evidence found at the home is being combed over, according to KVOA.
Nancy Guthrie’s house in Tucson, Arizona.Rebecca Noble for the NY PostNancy Guthrie left her car and cellphone at the scene, according to investigators who hope data from the phone might help point to when she was snatched, according to ABC News
Nancy was reported missing at noon Sunday after failing to show up for a church service.
She cannot walk more than 50 yards on her own and is reliant on life-saving medication, according to cops.
The hunt is a race against time because the missing woman needs medication, lack of which for 24 hours could prove fatal.
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Savannah Guthrie with her mom, Nancy, who went missing and is believed to have been abducted.
Savannah Guthrie/Instagram
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Savannah Guthrie with her mom, Nancy, 84.savannahguthrie/Instagram
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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos gave an update on Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.Pima County Sheriff
“We’re doing all we can to try to locate her,” Nanos said. “Every tool we have, we will use.”
LAST UPDATES: DNA test results for the glove found in the desert are finally in
Ever sinceToday Show anchor Savannah Guthrie‘s mom, Nancy Guthrie, went missing from her Tucson, Arizona home over a week ago, people across the country have been hoping and praying for her safe return.
On February 10, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released new door camera images of a potential suspect in the disappearance, which Savannah Guthrie shared on her Instagram page on the same day in the hopes that someone will recognize this person.
She captioned the post with, “We believe she is still alive. Bring her home.”
On the same day, TMZ reported that the bitcoin account ᴀssociated with the ransom note got a deposit, and the Sheriff’s department later detained a suspect, who has since been released. The department also revealed that they were searching the foothills surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s home.
On February 12, it was also reported that a white tent has been set up in front of Nancy’s house, which covers her front door.
A little while ago, Savannah shared a heartbreaking new update about her mom on Instagram in the form of a collage of family home videos.
This post is captioned with, “Our lovely mom. we will never give up on her.
Thank you for your prayers and hope.”
The video, which features footage of Nancy as a young woman with her young children, is just so heartbreaking to watch, as we can only imagine the pain and devastation Savannah and her family are going through during this awful time.
Immediately, fans flooded the comments with prayers and well wishes for the family. One person said, “Praying nonstop for your mama bring Nancy home! ”
Someone else added, “Thinking of you and praying for your family every day ”
More comments included:
“Wrapping you up with my heart ”
“We won’t stop ’til she is home. ”
“An extraordinary woman, mama, wife, sister, friend, and so much more. We you Nancy! Praying every moment.”
Our hearts go out to Savannah and all of Nancy’s friends and loved ones, as we all want nothing more than for her to be returned to her family safely.
Law enforcement officials in Arizona searching for Nancy Guthrie now have surveillance footage from a Circle K store that might have captured a “vehicle of interest” in the mystifying case, according to a report.
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The car was supposedly at or near the convenience store in Tucson, according to NBC News.
Law enforcement visited their Oracle Road location Friday after “receiving a tip regarding a vehicle of interest,” a spokesperson for Circle K told the outlet.
