Suspect in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Released on Bail

Derrick Callella charged with sending fake ransom texts to Guthrie family

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A 42-year-old California man named Derrick Callella was arrested for allegedly sending fake ransom texts to the family of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman who went missing from her Tucson, Arizona home on February 1. Callella was charged with transmitting a ransom demand and using a telecommunications device to abuse, threaten or harass. However, he was later released from custody with pre-trial restrictions after his initial court appearance.

Why it matters

The Guthrie case has garnered national attention as the mother of "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie. The release of the suspect on bail raises questions about the ongoing investigation and the perpetrator's potential threat to the Guthrie family and public safety.

The details

According to court documents, Callella sent two text messages to Nancy Guthrie's family on February 4 demanding a ransom payment in bitcoin. Investigators traced the texts back to Callella's email and home. Callella admitted to sending the texts using a VOIP account, claiming he was just trying to see if the family would respond. Authorities said Callella was acting as an imposter and trying to take advantage of the ongoing situation.

  • Callella was arrested on February 9, 2026.
  • Callella made his initial court appearance on February 10, 2026.
  • Callella was released with pre-trial restrictions after his court appearance.

The players

Derrick Callella

A 42-year-old California man who was arrested for allegedly sending fake ransom texts to the family of Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1, 2026.

Savannah Guthrie

The co-host of the "Today" show and Nancy Guthrie's daughter.

Timothy Courchaine

The U.S. Attorney who announced Callella's arrest and charges.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency investigating Nancy Guthrie's disappearance and the discovery of DNA evidence at her home.

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What they’re saying

“Through the course of the investigation, it was found that Callella was acting as an imposter, trying to take advantage of the ongoing situation.”

— Timothy Courchaine, U.S. Attorney (dayton247now.com)

What’s next

The judge in Callella's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to remain released on bail pending trial.

The takeaway

The release of the suspect on bail in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case raises concerns about public safety and the ongoing investigation, as authorities continue to search for the 84-year-old woman and pursue other leads in the mysterious disappearance.