Savannah Guthrie mother ransom note sent to an Arizona news station has raised serious concerns after journalists say the message included a dollar amount, a deadline, and sensitive details not publicly known.
The already-disturbing disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, took a darker turn — after an alleged ransom note with a deadline was sent directly to an Arizona television station.
According to reports, the message was emailed to Tucson CBS affiliate KOLD, and newsroom staff say it contained specific details that immediately raised red flags and prompted law enforcement involvement.
“This Didn’t Read Like a Hoax”
KOLD anchor Mary Coleman revealed details of the email during an appearance on Erin Burnett OutFront, saying it became clear early on that the message couldn’t be dismissed as a prank.
Coleman said the email included a clear dollar amount, a firm deadline, and sensitive information that was not publicly available — details she believes only someone connected to Nancy’s disappearance would know.
After reviewing the email, KOLD immediately turned the information over to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, which began analyzing the message and working to trace its origin. Investigators reportedly requested additional information from the station in an effort to identify where the email came from, including a possible IP address.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the ransom note is authentic but say it is under active investigation and included two deadlines — one that expired at 5 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 5 and another set for Monday.
Savannah Guthrie Addresses Ransom Reports
As news of the alleged ransom note spread, Savannah Guthrie spoke publicly in an Instagram video alongside her siblings, Camron and Annie Guthrie. She confirmed the family is aware of the ransom claims and is working closely behind the scenes.
“We’ve heard about the ransom letter,” Savannah said. “As a family, we are doing everything that we can.”
However, she emphasized the family needs proof of life before taking any next steps.
“We live in a world where voices and images can be manipulated,” she said. “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”
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TMZ Also Received a Separate Ransom Message
The situation grew more complicated after TMZ reported it had received a separate ransom note days earlier. That message allegedly demanded millions of dollars in Bitcoin and also included a deadline, “or else” if payment was not made.
Law enforcement has not confirmed whether the note sent to TMZ is connected to the one received by KOLD — or if multiple individuals are attempting to exploit the situation.
The sheriff’s department has acknowledged awareness of “possible ransom notes circulating” but has not verified any as authentic.
During a press conference Thursday, the FBI said they did arrest one man for allegedly sending fake ransom texts to Savannah Guthrie’s family in connection to her missing mother, Nancy.
A criminal complaint filed on Thursday identified him as Derrick Callella.
Federal prosecutors say Callella now faces serious charges. Court records allege he used interstate communications to deliver what amounted to a ransom-related message, while hiding his identity and allegedly using a telecommunications device to harass or intimidate.
The criminal complaint states that the messages were sent shortly after Guthrie’s family went public, releasing a video on Wednesday pleading for her safe return. After that video circulated, relatives allegedly received two text messages pressing for confirmation that money had been sent.
“Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction,” one message read, according to the complaint.
Investigators say they were able to track the origin of the messages back to an email account connected to Callella, which ultimately led them to his residence. Authorities claim he later acknowledged sending the texts and admitted he used a VOIP-based service to do it.
“Callella stated that he pulled family information from a cyber website, and that he had been following along and watching TV,” the complaint says. “When he said that he sent text messages, he was trying to see if the family would respond.”
Despite the alarming nature of the texts, court documents note that the two messages were not tied to any earlier ransom demand already under investigation.
Second Video Released by Guthrie Family as Camron Pleads for Their Mother’s Return
In the video, Camron Guthrie addresses those believed to be holding his mother, urging them to reach out directly after the family says they have received no communication from them. He also asks that they provide proof confirming Nancy Guthrie is in their custody.
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Investigation Ongoing
At this time, no suspects or persons of interest have been identified in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Authorities have released few details as the investigation remains active.
For now, Savannah Guthrie and her family continue to wait for answers — and for proof that Nancy is alive.
Nancy was last seen at her Tucson home on February 1, according to officials.
This story remains developing.
