Investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie say there are signs of forced entry at her Arizona home, along with ransom notes, but no suspect or clear motive has been identified. Authorities have used drones, K-9 units, and volunteer search teams in an ongoing effort to locate her. Savannah Guthrie has described her mother as loving and strong, publicly urging her to come home as the search continues.
In a related development, a 42-year-old California man, Derrick Callella, was arrested for allegedly sending fake ransom texts to the Guthrie family. According to a criminal complaint, Callella sent messages asking about Bitcoin payment after the family released a public plea. Authorities traced the texts to a VOIP account linked to him, and he later admitted to sending them after following media coverage of the case. He has been charged with transmitting a ransom demand in interstate commerce and using a telecommunications device to harass or threaten.
CATALINA, ARIZONA – FEBRUARY 3: Pima County Sheriff, Chris Nanos (left), speaks to the media on February 3, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. He and FBI assistant special agent in-charge Jon Edwards (right) were answering questions about the search for Nancy Guthrie, the missing mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie.(Photo by Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)
Officials emphasized that these messages were not connected to the original ransom demands tied to Nancy’s disappearance. The FBI warned that anyone attempting to exploit the case for personal gain will be investigated and held accountable. Meanwhile, Nancy’s son, Camron Guthrie, released an emotional video asking whoever may be holding their mother to make contact and provide proof she is alive.
Law enforcement confirmed that DNA tests matched blood found on Nancy’s front porch to her, reinforcing concerns that she may have been taken against her will. While authorities say they have no proof she is alive, they continue to hope she “is still out there.” The Pima County Sheriff’s Department stressed that no suspect or person of interest has been identified and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information that could hinder the investigation.