The message was brief, chilling, and devastating for a family already living in fear. Federal authorities say a California man has been charged after allegedly sending ransom-style texts to relatives of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old Tucson resident whose disappearance has drawn national attention because she is the mother of Savannah Guthrie.

According to court documents, prosecutors allege that Derrick Callella sent a Bitcoin-related message to members of the Guthrie family shortly after they made a public plea for help, followed by a brief phone call minutes later. Investigators say Callella later admitted to following the case in the media and locating the family’s contact information online, sending the message simply to see if they would respond. Authorities have stressed that these alleged communications are not connected to any verified ransom demand tied to Nancy’s disappearance.

While federal charges focus on the alleged texts, investigators continue working to separate hoaxes from legitimate leads. Officials have also reviewed unrelated but concerning reports in the area, including a late-night incident involving a suspicious man seen in a nearby yard weeks before Nancy vanished. No confirmed link has been established, and authorities caution against speculation as the investigation remains active.

What police have confirmed is that Nancy was likely taken from her home between the night of January 31 and the morning of February 1. Signs of forced entry were reported, her personal belongings were left behind, and she requires daily medication she did not take with her. Chris Nanos has said there is no reason to believe she is deceased, and investigators remain focused on finding her alive. As tips continue to come in, the family’s message remains urgent and unchanged: bring her home.