Family Releases New Video Appeal as FBI Sets Second Bitcoin Ransom Deadline

Updated 2026-02-06 09:02:02+00:00 (2 articles)

Nancy Guthrie Vanished From Tucson Home Amid Critical Health Needs The 84‑year‑old mother of “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie disappeared Saturday night after leaving her Tucson house; her pacemaker last pinged at 2 a.m. Sunday and she cannot walk 50 yards without medication, making her condition urgent [2]. Investigators discovered blood inside the home and signs of forced entry, underscoring the seriousness of the case [1][2]. The family’s appeal highlights the immediate need for her medication and safe return.

Sparse Surveillance and Missing Front‑Door Camera Hinder Early Investigation The unincorporated, unlit neighborhood lacks street lights and neighbor‑run doorbell cameras, limiting available footage [2]. A front‑door security camera that recorded a “person on camera” at 2:12 a.m. Sunday is now missing, preventing review of that critical moment [1]. Sheriff’s office is working with labs and technology firms to analyze whatever footage can be recovered while urging the public to remain patient.

Bitcoin Ransom Demands Prompt Imposter Arrest and Traceability Analysis Alleged notes demanded millions in Bitcoin, a claim reported by several outlets but not yet verified by the sheriff [1][2]. Former FBI counter‑intelligence operative explained that Bitcoin transactions are publicly visible and can be traced to a wallet, making the ransom method unusual yet traceable [1]. Authorities arrested Derrick Callella for sending a fake Bitcoin ransom demand, linking him via VOIP, email, and IP address; officials stress his case is unrelated to the disappearance.

Sheriff Confident Victim Is Alive Despite Lack of Suspects Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he is “absolutely” convinced Nancy Guthrie is alive, emphasizing the urgency of locating her medication [1]. Rugged, densely vegetated terrain hampers surveillance and forensic collection, prompting deployment of a Tucson Sector Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue team [1]. The family posted a new Instagram video at 5 p.m. urging anyone holding her to contact authorities as the FBI set a second deadline for Monday.

Sources

Timeline

Jan 31, 2026 – Nancy Guthrie, 84, leaves her Tucson home after dinner and vanishes from the secluded, unlit neighborhood; investigators later find signs of forced entry and blood inside the house, while her pacemaker transmits a final ping at 2 a.m. on Sunday, underscoring her critical health needs. [2]

Feb 1, 2026 – Pima County Sheriff’s Office opens a missing‑person case and begins processing limited surveillance footage from the sparsely populated area, noting the lack of street‑lights and neighbor doorbell cameras that hampers early leads. [2]

Feb 4, 2026 – “Today” anchor Savannah Guthrie posts an Instagram video pleading for her mother’s safe return and referencing alleged Bitcoin ransom notes that have surfaced in multiple media outlets, intensifying public pressure on investigators. [2]

Feb 5, 2026 – Camron Guthrie uploads a new video to his sister’s Instagram at 5:00 p.m., urging anyone holding Nancy to contact authorities as the first Bitcoin‑ransom deadline expires; the FBI sets a second deadline for Monday, Feb 7. [1]

Feb 5, 2026 – Forensic analysis confirms that the blood found on the front porch matches Nancy Guthrie’s DNA, while the front‑door security camera is missing despite logging a “person on camera” at 2:12 a.m. on Sunday, complicating the evidence trail. [1]

Feb 5, 2026 – Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, speaking on the sixth day of the investigation, says he is “absolutely convinced she’s alive” despite no suspects, emphasizing that Nancy lacks critical medication and a functioning pacemaker. [1]

Feb 5, 2026 – Former FBI counter‑intelligence operative Eric O’Neill and SentinelOne analyst Juan Andrés Guerrero‑Saade explain that Bitcoin transactions are publicly visible and traceable, casting doubt on the feasibility of the alleged multi‑million‑dollar crypto ransom. [1]

Feb 5, 2026 – Authorities arrest California resident Derrick Callella on two counts after he sends a fake Bitcoin‑related ransom demand, traced through VOIP, email and IP data; officials state the case is unrelated to the Guthrie disappearance. [1]

Feb 5‑6, 2026 – The investigation deploys a Tucson Sector Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue team to navigate the rugged, densely vegetated terrain that limits lighting and camera coverage, highlighting logistical challenges in collecting DNA and other forensic evidence. [1]

Feb 7, 2026 – The FBI’s second Bitcoin‑ransom deadline arrives, giving authorities a final window for any response before escalating investigative actions. [1]