At least one person, Derrick Callella, has been arrested for sending an imposter ransom demand in the suspected kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Multiple media outlets received the fake ransom notes, which were turned over to investigators.
Callella allegedly sent texts asking for Bitcoin payment after the Guthrie family released a plea video. Authorities traced the messages to his email and VOIP account. He admitted to following the case online and testing whether the family would respond. He faces charges for transmitting a ransom demand across state lines and harassing the family.
The FBI offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s safe return or suspect arrests. Nancy was last seen at her Tucson home over the weekend and requires medication. DNA tests confirmed blood on her porch belongs to her. While investigators have no proof she is alive, the family and authorities hold out hope.
Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized ongoing investigations and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information. No suspect beyond Callella has been identified in connection with Nancy’s disappearance.