TUCSON, Ariz. (KVOA) – Derrick Callella has been charged with two serious offenses following the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie.

This development comes after Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026, when her family discovered she had left essential items, including her wallet and medication, at home.

According to the criminal complaint, Callella allegedly transmitted a ransom demand and made threatening calls without revealing his identity.

“Did you get the bitcoin were waiting on our end for the transaction,” said the text messages received by Guthrie’s daughter and son-in-law.

Law enforcement traced the messages to a VOIP number linked to Callella’s email and IP address in California.

After being taken into custody, Callella admitted to sending the texts and making a brief call to Guthrie’s family, claiming he was he was trying to see if the family would respond.

The investigation continues as authorities seek further evidence in Guthrie’s disappearance. 

A $50,000 reward is now being offered from the FBI for information that can lead to an arrest.

Stay with News 4 Tucson for updates on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.Â