The disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has drawn national attention, prompting an extensive investigation and widespread public concern. Authorities have confirmed that while the search for Nancy continues, federal agents have arrested an individual accused of sending a deceptive message falsely claiming involvement in the case.
Law enforcement officials have emphasized that this arrest is not connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance itself, but rather to an attempt to exploit the situation through misleading communication. Investigators continue to urge the public to rely only on confirmed updates from official sources.
Who Is Nancy Guthrie?
Nancy Guthrie is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, a longtime co-anchor of NBC’s Today. According to information released by authorities and family members, Nancy was last seen on the evening of January 31, after spending time with her daughter Anne.
Anne reportedly drove her mother home around 9:30 p.m. that evening. When Nancy did not attend her regular church service the following morning—something family members said was highly unusual—concerns quickly escalated.
By midday Sunday, Nancy Guthrie was formally reported missing.
Immediate Search Efforts and Official Response
Once the report was filed, local and federal agencies launched a coordinated search effort in the Tucson, Arizona area. According to officials, the response included ground teams, aerial support, and specialized search resources.
Authorities stated that Nancy’s limited mobility made it unlikely that she left her residence voluntarily. During a press briefing, Chris Nanos, Sheriff of Pima County, addressed speculation regarding her condition, clarifying that there was no indication of cognitive impairment.
Law enforcement has refrained from sharing detailed investigative findings, citing the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing search.
Clarifying the Nature of the Investigation
Officials have acknowledged that certain findings at Nancy Guthrie’s home required further examination, but they have avoided drawing conclusions or publicly assigning a motive. Authorities have not confirmed how or why she went missing and continue to evaluate all verified information.
Law enforcement agencies have repeatedly cautioned against circulating unconfirmed claims online, stressing that misinformation can interfere with active investigations and cause unnecessary distress to families involved.
False Message Leads to Federal Arrest
Authorities also made it clear that this arrest only relates to the bogus message and does not mea
In a significant development, the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that agents arrested a California man accused of sending a fraudulent message that falsely suggested involvement in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
According to the FBI, the individual attempted to create the impression that he had information related to the case. Officials stressed that the message was entirely fabricated and had no connection to Nancy’s whereabouts.
During a press conference on February 5, federal officials stated that the arrest was the result of a separate investigation into deceptive communication, not evidence of a breakthrough in the missing person case.
FBI Statement on the Arrest
Speaking on behalf of the agency, Heith Janke, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Phoenix division, addressed the public regarding the arrest.
He explained that investigators found no evidence linking the suspect to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Instead, officials determined that the individual was attempting to take advantage of public attention surrounding the case.
Federal authorities emphasized that such actions not only cause emotional harm but can also divert valuable resources away from legitimate investigative work.
Identity of the Suspect
Court documents and law enforcement statements identified the suspect as Derrick Callella, a 42-year-old resident of Hawthorne, California. Investigators allege that Callella sent the misleading message shortly after the Guthrie family publicly appealed for information.
According to the criminal complaint, the message was transmitted using technology designed to mask the sender’s phone number. Despite this, investigators were able to trace the communication back to an internet connection associated with Callella’s residence.
Federal agents arrested him on February 5 in Hawthorne, located several miles from Los Angeles International Airport.
What Authorities Say About the Message
Law enforcement officials have made it clear that the message sent by Callella should not be confused with any legitimate communication related to the investigation.
The FBI stated that the messages have no confirmed link to any authentic demand or verified communication in the case. Authorities also noted that Callella admitted to sending the message after locating the family’s contact information online.
Investigators further reported that he attempted to place phone calls to the family shortly after sending the messages, actions that contributed to the decision to pursue charges.
Prior Legal History
Public records show that Callella previously worked for Los Angeles County and has faced legal issues in the past. In 2025, he was among several county employees charged in a separate case involving improper benefit claims during the pandemic.
Authorities clarified that this prior case is unrelated to the Nancy Guthrie investigation and was mentioned only as part of publicly available court records.
Media Reports and Law Enforcement Clarification
As public interest grew, various media outlets reported receiving messages or documents claiming to be connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Law enforcement officials acknowledged that they are aware of such reports but declined to confirm the authenticity of any materials not directly verified through official channels.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department stated that investigators routinely evaluate all tips and communications but urged the public not to draw conclusions based on unverified information circulating online or through unofficial sources.
Family Appeal and Public Support
Following her mother’s disappearance, Savannah Guthrie temporarily stepped away from her broadcasting duties. In a public message, she expressed gratitude for the support her family has received and encouraged people to keep Nancy in their thoughts and prayers.
Her statement focused on hope, unity, and faith, and did not include any claims about the investigation or speculation regarding her mother’s situation.
Law enforcement officials have praised the family for cooperating fully with investigators and for encouraging responsible sharing of information.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Guidance
The search for Nancy Guthrie remains active. Authorities have reiterated that updates will be released only when confirmed information is available and appropriate to share.
Officials urge anyone with credible information to contact law enforcement directly rather than posting online. They also remind the public that false messages and misleading claims can cause harm and delay progress in sensitive cases.
As the investigation continues, authorities emphasize patience, accuracy, and compassion—both for the family and for the professionals working tirelessly to bring clarity to the situation.
Conclusion
While the arrest of a former Los Angeles County employee represents a notable development, officials stress that it does not resolve the central question of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. The case remains under active investigation, with law enforcement focused on verified evidence and responsible reporting.
Authorities continue to ask for public cooperation and caution, underscoring the importance of relying on confirmed information as the search for Nancy Guthrie proceeds.
Sources
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Federal Bureau of Investigation statements
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Pima County Sheriff’s Department press briefings
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Reporting from CBS News, E! News, and the Los Angeles Times