Search For Nancy Guthrie: No Suspects ID’d, Arrest Made Over Imposter Ransom Note
Law enforcement officials have not identified any suspects or persons of interest in the search for Nancy Guthrie, as the investigation continues into day 5.
NBC Anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother has been missing since early Sunday morning, and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he believes she is still “out there.” Nanos emphasized that no one has been ruled out as a suspect yet, either.
Ransom notes: Heith Janke, FBI Phoenix's special agent in charge, said officers arrested someone earlier Thursday for offering a fake ransom demand. That is separate from the ransom letters sent to a local Arizona news outlet and TMZ earlier this week, which authorities continue to investigate and take seriously.
Derrick Callella, the California man arrested over the imposter note, allegedly messaged Nancy’s daughter Annie and son-in-law demanding bitcoin, falsely implying he had Nancy.
It comes a day after Savannah posted a video with her two siblings, Annie and Cameron, pleading for proof of life.
“We are ready to talk. However, we live in a world where voices and images are easily manipulated. We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us,” Guthrie said.
INSIDE THE INVESTIGATION
Janke said the ransom note sent to news outlets made a Bitcoin demand, and listed a deadline for 5 p.m. today — with another one on Monday. It’s unclear if there were any threats linked to those deadlines.
Janke added that one also provided specifics about items Nancy owned or had in her home, including “an Apple watch, and one talked about a floodlight.”
The ransom note did not establish any communication protocol.
Janke noted that in a typical kidnapping case, communication would have occurred by now, but there has been no contact since the ransom note was sent, nor proof of life. He said it’s ultimately up to the family to decide on any ransom demands.
FBI crisis negotiators are in the area, working alongside local investigators. President Trump said Wednesday that he spoke with Savannah and directed “ALL Federal Law Enforcement” to help with the search.
FBI officials are now offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to Nancy or anyone involved in her disappearance.