Savannah Guthrie's mom still missing, police share new ransom details

7:24 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update 'We want to talk to you': Guthrie family addresses person 'holding our mother' KiMi Robinson As the first deadline that was allegedly mentioned in a ransom letter came and went at 5 p.m. local time, Savannah Guthrie posted another video message on Instagram, this time from brother Camron Guthrie. Speaking directly to a person who might be "holding our mother," Camron Guthrie said, "We want to hear from you. 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. But first we have to know you have our mom." 4:46 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update More than 200 anonymous tips submitted in Nancy Guthrie case KiMi Robinson Speaking on NewsNation's "Elizabeth Vargas Reports" on Feb. 5, Pima County Attorney’s Office Chief of Detectives Fabian Pacheco revealed "upwards of 200 tips" have come through to his office, which oversees the county's 88-Crime program that anonymously collects possible information related to crimes. "And just to put it in perspective, on a normal day, we receive maybe 12, 20 tips on several unrelated cases. The past four days, this has spiked to 200 tips and more and counting," Pacheco said. "We continue to encourage the public to please continue sending us those tips." 4:29 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update California man faces charges for impostor ransom demand texts KiMi Robinson California resident Derrick Callella faces two federal criminal charges for allegedly texting Nancy Guthrie's family about a bitcoin transaction, according to a criminal complaint filed Feb. 5 in Arizona federal court that was obtained by USA TODAY. As reported by Fox News Digital's Michael Ruiz, Callella is accused of messaging "A.C. and T.C., the daughter and son-in-law of N.G." – who appear to be Annie and Tommaso Cioni – "Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction" on Feb. 4, after the family released a video pleading for Nancy Guthrie's return. Callella also called a family member, per the FBI. According to FBI Special Agent Kerry Witherspoon, who leveled the charges against Callella in the complaint, "The two text messages have not been linked to the February 2, 2026, ransom demand" sent to Tucson news station KOLD. That communication was sent to the CBS affiliate's online tip portal and "listed a Bitcoin wallet address to receive the ransom payment," per Witherspoon. A lawyer for Callella could not be immediately reached. 2:44 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Trump watched press conference on Guthrie, White House says Joey Garrison After speaking to Savannah Guthrie on Wednesday, President Donald Trump tuned in to the Thursday, Feb. 5, press conference, where Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and FBI Special Agent in Charge Heith Janke gave new details about the disappearance case. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Trump told Savannah Guthrie, "The federal government is here to help." "Any requests that are made by state and local officials in the search of Ms. Guthrie will absolutely be accommodated," the press secretary said. Leavitt said she spoke to FBI Director Kash Patel about federal efforts to help in Guthrie's search. "Our thoughts and our prayers are with Savannah and her entire family as they search for their dear mother," she said. During the Thursday press conference, Nanos said they are now offering a $50,000 reward for information that leads to finding Nancy Guthrie. 2:41 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Ransom note in Nancy Guthrie case debunked Anna Kaufman The Pima County Sheriff's Department provided an update on the Nancy Guthrie case in a media briefing on Thursday, Feb. 5, and addressed the ransom notes. Authorities had previously said they were following leads for the several ransom notes sent to the media earlier this week, and on Thursday, added that one note had been debunked. FBI Special Agent in Charge, Heith Janke, said on Tuesday that an arrest has been made in connection with an "impostor ransom demand." He added that a criminal complaint against the individual would be presented to a judge. "To those impostors who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation," Janke said. "We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions." 2:20 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update FBI particpated in Guthrie sibling video Anna Kaufman At the Thursday press conference, assistant special agent in charge of the case for the FBI, Jon Edwards, said that federal authorities assisted in the video posted to Instagram by Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, in which they pleaded for their mother's return. The video, released late evening Wednesday, Feb. 4, followed several unverified ransom notes that were sent to local and national media in connection with Guthrie's disappearance. Edwards said decisions involving a ransom are always up to the family and that the FBI can help provide consultation. "We're taking the ransom note serious, and we are following that part of the investigation," he told reporters. In the video, Guthrie and her siblings said they were ready to talk, but would need to know beyond the shadow of a doubt that the abductor had their mother. 2:01 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Nancy Guthrie abduction timeline updated Anna Kaufman In a press conference Feb. 5, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told reporters that doorbell camera video had helped authorities piece together a new timeline of events for Guthrie's kidnapping. Jan. 31 at 5:32 p.m. Guthrie traveled to her family's house for a game night. Guthrie traveled to her family's house for a game night. Jan. 31 at 9:48 p.m. Her family dropped her back at home, and the garage door opened. Her family dropped her back at home, and the garage door opened. Jan. 31 at 9:50 p.m. The garage door closed. The garage door closed. Feb. 1 at 1:47 a.m. Doorbell camera in front of Guthrie's home disconnected. Doorbell camera in front of Guthrie's home disconnected. Feb. 1 at 2:12 a.m. Software for the smart home detected a person on the camera, but no video is available. Software for the smart home detected a person on the camera, but no video is available. Feb. 1 at 2:28 a.m. Guthrie's pacemaker app shows it was disconnected from her phone. Guthrie's pacemaker app shows it was disconnected from her phone. Feb. 1 at 11:56 a.m. The family checks on her. The family checks on her. Feb. 1 at 12:03 p.m. Family calls 9-1-1 to report her missing. Family calls 9-1-1 to report her missing. Feb. 1 at 12:15 p.m. Patrol cars arrive. 1:56 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update What else was included with Nancy Guthrie's ransom letter? Pamela Avila FBI special agent Heith Janke said the ransom letter included "facts associated with a deadline," including an Apple Watch, a floodlight, and "a monetary value." Janke later added that there were two specific deadlines: one at 5 p.m. on Thursday and another on Monday. "In a normal kidnapping case, there would be contact by now trying to discuss that, but those are the time frames we are looking at as we move forward," he said. "The family wants to be contacted," he also said. "They know time is of the essence, and if those that may have Nancy are watching this, the family is ready to talk, get proof of life, because there has been no contact after that ransom note went to the media." 1:54 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Sheriff Nanos 'fearful' for Nancy Guthrie's safety Pamela Avila "To my knowledge, we're still looking for Nancy," Nanos said regarding proof of life of Nancy Guthrie amid her disappearance. "I'm certainly fearful of that," he later said of the idea that Nancy Guthrie is dead. "Until we know, she's out there, she's alive." Nanos also stressed that Guthrie needs daily medication. "We also know that, this is day four or five, and we don't know that she's getting her medication," he said. "That could, in itself, prove fatal." 1:48 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update FBI taking alleged ransom letters 'seriously' Brendan Morrow FBI special agent in charge Heith Janke said the bureau is "aware of a ransom letter" sent to news outlets, and "as with every lead, we are taking it seriously." "We are in communication with the family," he said. "And while we advise and recommend from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family." But Janke said the alleged ransom note that investigators are looking at does not establish a line of communication with the family. "There has been no proof of life, and there were no other demands within that letter, so they're still waiting for communication," he said. 1:36 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Authorities confirm blood at house belonged to Nancy Guthire Anna Kaufman In his comments Thursday, Nanos confirmed that splatters of dried blood pictured at Guthrie's Arizona home were confirmed to belong to the 84-year-old. "We did a rush through and got some of that [DNA] back," he said. "The results are minimal." That said, he did add that the blood on the porch "came back to Nancy." 1:31 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Sheriff says no suspect identified: 'We're not there yet' Brendan Morrow The sheriff's department stressed that investigators have not identified a suspect in the case. "I know there's been a lot out there about suspects, and I want to be very clear," Nanos said. "At this time, we have not identified a suspect or a person of interest in this case. We're not there yet." 1:30 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Authorities reveal sprawling search for Nancy Guthrie Anna Kaufman The Pima County sheriff said during his press conference that the search for Guthrie was a sprawling ordeal, involving multiple police departments across counties and federal authorities. "We have so much in front of us still," Nanos said. "I know that the FBI has committed a large number of men and women … to get this thing solved." Nanos said that the operation was wide-ranging, "with a lot of moving parts." "We're not just sitting on our hunches waiting," he said. "Every single lead is looked at. Every one of them." 1:26 pm ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Sheriff says 'we believe Nancy is still out there' Brendan Morrow At the start of a media briefing on Thursday, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said, "Right now, we believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home." He added that the sheriff's department, along with the FBI, has been "working around the clock" to find Guthrie, and he expressed sympathy with her family. "I really want you to know, this entire team here, those behind me, and our community, are hurting with you," he said. "We really just want mom back." 11:05 am ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Reporter who recieved Nancy Guthrie ransom note speaks out Anna Kaufman The Arizona news anchor who saw an unverified ransom note sent to her station amid the search for Nancy Guthrie is opening up about its contents. Mary Coleman, who works for the Arizona-based CNN affiliate KOLD, which received a note along with TMZ, told CNN in a Feb. 3 interview that the message came via email and that it was "clear after a couple of sentences [it] might not be a hoax." "A lot of it is information that only someone who was holding her for ransom would know," Coleman said. "Some very sensitive information and things that people who weren't there when she was taken captive wouldn't know." 11:05 am ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Alleged ransom note contained dollar amount Anna Kaufman Coleman went on to say that the note requested a specific price for Guthrie's return. "It also included a dollar amount, a deadline, and, again, other specifics that only Guthrie's abductor might know, so that definitely raised some red flags," she told CNN. "We immediately sent that information over to the sheriff's department, and they're, of course, looking into the legitimacy of it," the journalist added. "One of the detectives did get back to us and asked us for some more information so that they can start searching for an IP address and things of that nature to try and figure out who or what people are responsible here." The USA TODAY Network has not viewed or substantiated the validity of either the note sent to KOLD or TMZ. Both federal and local authorities are looking into the threats. 9:16 am ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Sheriff's department to hold media briefing Thursday Brendan Morrow The Pima County Sheriff's Department in Arizona is scheduled to hold a media briefing on the Guthrie case on Thursday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m. ET. The department last held a briefing to provide updates on the case on Tuesday, Feb. 3. At the time, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he would not hold any additional briefings until Thursday, barring any major breaking news developments. "Unless something breaks, we'll do this every couple of days," he said. The Pima County Sheriff's Office press conferences have been streamed on its Facebook page. USA TODAY will also have a stream of the conference when it goes live Thursday. 9:12 am ET February 5, 2026 Share this update 'Today' show offers updates on Guthrie investigation Anna Kaufman On the "Today" show Thursday, Feb. 5, reporters revealed that authorities are still attempting to recover any video footage from surveillance cameras at Nancy's house. Google, which owns the smart home system Nest, is now assisting law enforcement in that investigation. Sally Shamrell, who became close with Savannah after working together at a local NBC station, revealed on "Today" that she had helped organize a prayer service to honor Nancy, whom she said was like a second mother to her. Why Savannah Guthrie's missing mother is captivating the nation 9:07 am ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Savannah Guthrie, siblings release video plea for mom's return Anna Kaufman In a video posted to Instagram the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 4, Savannah Guthrie and her siblings the unverified ransom notes sent to both TMZ and CBS affiliate KOLD News. "We need to know without a doubt that she's alive and that you have her," Guthrie said, apparently addressing the kidnapper directly. "We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us." The siblings shared messages of love, honoring their mother, and reiterated concern around her health, saying "her heart, is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer." Turning to her mother, the "Today" anchor added: "We will not rest. Your children will not rest until we are together again." 9:02 am ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Candlelight vigil in Arizona honors Nancy Guthrie Sarah Lapidus and Shawn Raymundo About 400 people gathered Feb. 4 at the St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson, Arizona, to pray for Nancy Guthrie. Residents and friends of the family filed into pews in the church's historic sanctuary, each person holding a candle as they sat. One by one, they filed down the center aisle and placed a prayer candle on the altar. After the candle ceremony, some left, while others prayed or chatted quietly, fondly recalling their memories of the Guthries. Barbara Kraus said her children grew up with Savannah Guthrie. "Our hearts are just so much with the family and we're just here to really pray for a good outcome for this, to be hopeful," she told the Arizona Republic, part of the USA TODAY Network. Lisa Contreras, who worked with Savannah at News 4 Tucson, helped plan the vigil. "This community was asked to pray for Nancy. Savannah asked us to do that, she asked us to keep the family in her prayers. And that's what we're trying to do here tonight," she said in a piece that aired on NBC. "We want her to know that she has our support, our love, and our hope that Nancy returns home safe and sound." 8:58 am ET February 5, 2026 Share this update What we know about Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping Anna Kaufman Local and federal agencies have teamed up to scour the region of Arizona where Guthrie was abducted. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told The New York Times in a Wednesday, Feb. 4, interview that it was too soon to rule whether Nancy Guthrie's abduction was targeted or random. Speaking to NBC News, Nanos said investigators are holding out hope that Nancy Guthrie is alive. Savannah Guthrie, her missing mom and why so many feel her pain Investigators have not identified a suspect or person of interest in the case and urged the public not to spread information suggesting otherwise. Alarm bells began to sound around her disappearance Sunday, Feb. 1, when a member of Guthrie's church called her family to let them know Guthrie was not in attendance at the service. According to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, Nancy Guthrie's "children left her off" around 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31. 8:55 am ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Mary Carillo to fill in for Savannah Guthrie on Olympics coverage Brendan Morrow and Bryan Alexander NBC announced on Feb. 4 that Mary Carillo, the sports commentator and former tennis player, will fill in for Savannah Guthrie hosting the Milan Olympics' Opening Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 6. The network previously confirmed that Guthrie would be exiting its Olympics coverage amid the search for her mother. "Our hearts go out to Savannah and the entire Guthrie family. They continue to have our full support," Molly Solomon, executive producer and president of NBC Olympics Production, said. "We are fortunate to have a deep bench of talented commentators who will step in and fill these roles. Mary is one of the most experienced Olympic commentators ever and a master storyteller." "Today" cohost Craig Melvin will also remain stateside. He was previously scheduled to host "Olympic Late Night" from Milan on Feb. 7-9. 8:52 am ET February 5, 2026 Share this update Trump's Savannah Guthrie call: 'We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely' Brendan Morrow In a Truth Social post on Feb. 4, President Donald Trump confirmed he spoke with Savannah Guthrie and let her know that he is directing "ALL Federal Law Enforcement to be at the family's, and Local Law Enforcement's, complete disposal, IMMEDIATELY." "We are deploying all resources to get her mother home safely," Trump said. "The prayers of our Nation are with her and her family. GOD BLESS AND PROTECT NANCY!" NBC News previously reported that Guthrie thanked Trump for the call, which the president made after an interview with "NBC Nightly News" anchor Tom Llamas. "After our interview, the president called Savannah Guthrie and spoke to her, offering words of support for her and her family as they search for her mother," Llamas said.