Man Accused of Sending Fake Ransom Note in Nancy Guthrie Case Appears in Court

Derrick Callella faces federal charges for allegedly posing as the suspected abductor and demanding money from the missing woman's family.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Derrick Callella, a 42-year-old man from Hawthorne, California, made his first court appearance on Friday after being accused of sending a fake ransom note to the family of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Callella faces federal charges of intent to transmit a ransom demand and utilizing a telecommunications device to anonymously abuse, threaten or harass a person.

Why it matters

The case highlights the distress and challenges faced by families of missing persons, as well as the lengths some individuals may go to exploit such tragic situations. Authorities are still searching for any clues about Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts, and the fake ransom note has added further complications to the investigation.

The details

According to court paperwork, on Wednesday the Guthrie family members received a text from a VOIP (internet) phone line demanding bitcoin payment, which was sent shortly after the family released a video message asking for proof of life. Law enforcement traced the phone line and found it was registered to Callella's Gmail account, and determined the call was made from his California home. Federal authorities said the texts have not been linked to the first ransom demand reported by multiple outlets.

  • On Wednesday, the Guthrie family members received the text message demanding bitcoin payment.
  • Callella made his initial court appearance on Friday.

The players

Derrick Callella

A 42-year-old man from Hawthorne, California, who has been accused of sending a fake ransom note to the family of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who was allegedly taken from her Tucson-area home against her will, with her blood being found on the porch of the house.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who said he has no proof that Nancy Guthrie is still alive, but the team is holding out hope she is 'still out there.'

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What’s next

Callella's next court date is scheduled for Feb. 12 at the U.S. District Court in Tucson, Arizona.

The takeaway

This case highlights the distress and challenges faced by families of missing persons, as well as the lengths some individuals may go to exploit such tragic situations. Authorities are still searching for any clues about Nancy Guthrie's whereabouts, and the fake ransom note has added further complications to the investigation.