As the search for Nancy Guthrie enters a critical fifth day, the Today show anchor’s family has intensified their efforts to reach her abductors. On Thursday, following the arrest of a California man accused of a cruel extortion hoax, Savannah Guthrie’s brother, Camron Guthrie, released a stoic new video message demanding proof of life and direct communication.
The investigation into the 84-year-old’s disappearance from her Tucson home took a chaotic turn earlier in the day when the FBI announced the arrest of 42-year-old Derrick Callella. Federal prosecutors allege Callella, of Torrance, California, sent harassing text messages to Savannah’s sister, Annie, and brother-in-law inquiring about a Bitcoin payment. “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction,” the text read. Investigators determined Callella was an “imposter” with no connection to the actual abduction, merely seeking to profit from the family’s nightmare after watching news coverage.
“To those imposters who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation, we will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions,” FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke warned during a press conference.
Despite the distraction of the hoax, the Guthrie family remains laser-focused on the actual kidnappers. Following a group video featuring Savannah and her sister Annie, brother Camron—a retired F-16 fighter pilot—stepped forward with a solo appeal that marked a shift in tone from emotional desperation to tactical negotiation. Staring directly into the camera, he addressed the silence that followed a reported ransom deadline.
“Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you,” Camron stated firmly. “We haven’t heard anything directly. We need you to reach out, and we need a way to communicate with you so we can move forward.”
This direct challenge echoes Savannah’s earlier plea, where she signaled the family’s willingness to negotiate but drew a hard line regarding verification. “We are ready to talk,” Savannah said, flanked by her siblings. “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.”
The urgency is compounded by Nancy Guthrie’s fragile health; authorities confirmed she was taken without her heart medication and that her pacemaker was remotely disconnected early Sunday morning. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has cited “concerning” evidence at her home, including blood found on the porch, leading police to treat the case as a forcible abduction.
While the “imposter” Callella is now in federal custody, the FBI continues to analyze a separate, unverified ransom note sent to media outlets earlier in the week. As the family waits by the phone, their message remains clear: prove she is alive, and they will deal. “Your children will not rest until we are together again,” Savannah vowed.
