Guthrie's alleged 'kidnapping' for ransom is a relic from a bygone era

“A true kidnapping for ransom is a throwback to the Lindbergh time,” former FBI agent Katherine Schweit told the USA Today, citing the 1932 kidnapping for ransom of Charles Lindbergh’s son. The “kidnapping” of Nancy Guthrie is unusual.

These days, most kidnappings are typically connected to domestic or family issues, human smugglers or mental illness. Cases targeting wealthy or famous individuals, though uncommon, garner outsized attention, such the 1974 abduction of William Randolph Hearst’s granddaughter. 

“They’re what movies are made of because they're dramatic and scary. You don't see them playing out in real life,” said Lance Leising, a former FBI agent. “Now you are, unfortunately, in a horrible way for the family and the victim.”

Guthrie was first reported missing by her family on Feb. 1, when she didn't show up for church. Her disappearance sparked a large search effort in the Catalina Foothills community, perched north of Tucson, and a criminal investigation by the Pima County Sheriff's Department and FBI. Sheriff Chris Nanos later said Guthrie was believed to be "taken from her home against her will.”

Three days later, on Feb. 2, ransom messages were delivered to several media outlets, demanding payment in Bitcoin. But with no further contact, the family posted social media videos urging anyone holding Guthrie to make contact. On Feb. 5, the FBI arrested Derrick Callella in California, who authorities say sent text messages referencing Bitcoin payments to Guthrie’s family shortly after they publicly pleaded for her safe return. He’s facing charges including with transmitting ransom-related communications, according to a criminal complaint.

On Feb. 6, the FBI announced it was examining a new ransom message without providing further details. Tucson TV station KOLD, which received both the most recent and one of the first potential ransom note, said the new note contains information that seemed intended to prove that the senders were the same. Still no suspects have been identified.

The latest Guthrie family posted a new Instagram video on Feb. 7.

"We received your message and we understand," Savannah Guthrie also said in the video.

Leising, the former FBI agent, said that "the 'understand' comment is obviously referring to something in the note that we are not privy to." He said that could be a nod to the kidnappers grievances or directions on how to deliver money, while the “celebrate” reference could refer to a resolution of some kind.

"I do think investigators are going on the assumption that she is still alive, however, there are indications in the family statement that indicates they are concerned that she is no longer alive," he said.

It marked the latest in a case in which law enforcement has been trying to determine the validity of the demand.

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