In a 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 turn of events, a California man has admitted to sending a 𝒻𝒶𝓀𝑒 ransom note to the family of Nancy Guthrie, who has been missing for several months. Derrick Callella, 42, from Hawthorne, pleaded guilty to two counts of harassment involving a telecommunications device, with sentencing set for September 10.
Callella’s troubling actions began shortly after Guthrie’s disappearance in February. Reports indicate that he reached out to Guthrie’s daughter, Annie, and her son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, with a message that raised alarm bells. “Did you get the bitcoin we’re waiting on our end for the transaction?” he allegedly wrote, further deepening the family’s distress.
Just moments after sending the ominous texts, Callella reportedly placed a brief call to another family member of Nancy Guthrie, according to court documents from Arizona federal court. The U.S. Attorney’s Office stated that Callella acknowledged his intent to harass the family by inquiring about the investigation into Guthrie’s case.
This incident is separate from an earlier ransom note sent to local media outlets, including TMZ, on February 2. The Guthrie family has faced a tumultuous five months since Nancy’s disappearance, with no leads or suspects identified by investigators.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been the subject of intense media scrutiny. Other ransom notes have included specific details not made public, such as a broken security light at her home and the Apple Watch she was wearing when she went missing.
In the early stages of the investigation, authorities released footage of a masked individual armed with a weapon, captured by Nancy’s doorbell camera, and collected DNA evidence to aid in the search.
Last month, an emotional Savannah Guthrie made a heartfelt plea for information regarding her mother’s whereabouts, breaking down in tears during a public address. This came after a ransom note suggested that her mother may have met a tragic fate.
As the investigation continues, the question remains: will the truth about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance ever come to light?
