The FBI have arrested a man in connection with the abduction of TODAY show host Savannah Guthrie’s elderly mom, Nancy Guthrie.
The 84-year-old woman has now been missing for six days, after close family reported her disappearance on Sunday (February 1) when she failed to attend church.
Nancy was last seen at her home in Tucson, Arizona, on Saturday evening (January 30), and authorities now believe the elderly mom was taken against her will.
Nancy’s daughter, Savannah, is the co-host of NBC’s TODAY show, and reportedly earns an $8 million annual salary.
She and her siblings have now issued a statement following days of searching, after President Trump ordered ‘all federal law enforcement’ to be at the family’s ‘complete disposal.’
Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance
Concern grew after the elderly mother failed to show up for her usual Sunday morning church service. By late morning, family members went to check on her, and had alerted emergency responders around midday.
And it’s clear that the scene raised some immediate red flags for investigators.
During a briefing on Monday (February 2) Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators believe Nancy was abducted, stating firmly that she was taken against her will.
When they searched the property, officials found that her mobile phone, vehicle, and ID were all present, and lights even remained switched on.
Family members informed authorities that Nancy struggled with mobility, and would not have been able to walk more than a short distance unassisted.
The case took a further chilling turn when the Los Angeles Times reported that blood was found inside her home upon investigation.
Savannah Guthrie and her family break their silence
The TODAY show host made a video with her two siblings just days after it was announced that an investigation into her mother’s disappearance was underway.
“We believe in prayer. We believe in voices raised in unison, in love, in hope,” she wrote on Instagram.
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Savannah Guthrie (@savannahguthrie)
In an emotional plea, Savannah added: “Everyone is looking for you, mommy.
“Everywhere. We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again.”
She also referenced an alleged ransom note that was sent to authorities, demanding a huge sum of money from the family.
Speaking directly to the suspected perpetrator, the 54-year-old said: “We are ready to talk.
“But we need to know without a doubt that she is alive and you have her… Please, reach out to us.”
The ransom note
The alleged ransom note demanded millions in Bitcoin in exchange for Nancy’s return.
And users online have speculated that this could be key evidence that she was kidnapped for money.
TMZ, who also received the note, stated that there was a deadline connected to the note, and a chilling element of ‘or else.’
The President issued a statement revealing that he had been in contact with Savannah’s family, and is deploying the best resources in order to find her mom.
He wrote: “We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely.”
“The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY.”
Police have made an arrest
The Department of Justice announced yesterday evening (February 5) that police have made an arrest in connection with the issuing of the ransom note.
Law enforcement have arrested Derrick Callella, 42, in Hawthorne, California.
The statement read: “Callella has been charged via a criminal complaint filed in federal court for transmitting a demand for ransom in interstate commerce, and without disclosing his identity, utilizing a telecommunications device with the intent to abuse, threaten, or harass a person.”
US attorney, Timothy Courchaine, has reassured the family that they are doing everything they can to safely return Nancy back to her loved ones.
He said: “The Department of Justice will protect victims and families at all costs, and grief profiteers will be held accountable.
“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.”
