The brief message “landed like a threat” for the family of missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. According to court documents, a California man has been charged after allegedly sending bitcoin-related texts to relatives shortly after the family made a public plea for help. Investigators say it was not an organized ransom plot, but it sharply escalated fear during an already desperate search.

Federal prosecutors allege Derrick Callella sent a text that read: “Did you get the bitcoin were [sic] waiting on our end for the transaction.” Minutes later, authorities say he placed a nine-second phone call to another family member. The timing came as the family publicly asked for proof of life. The texts were immediately reported and traced to his California residence.

According to the criminal complaint, Callella allegedly admitted he had been following the case on television and sent the message to “see if the family would respond.” He now faces two federal counts related to transmitting ransom-style communications. Investigators emphasized that his alleged actions are not connected to a separate ransom note sent to an Arizona news outlet demanding money for Nancy’s return.

Authorities believe Nancy was taken from her Tucson-area home sometime between the evening of January 31 and the morning of February 1. Blood was reportedly found inside the house, signs of forced entry were observed, and her wallet, phone, car, and daily medication were left behind. Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated there is “no reason to believe she is deceased.”

In a deeply emotional video, the family pleaded directly for help, saying, “Our mom is our heart and our home.” They stressed the need for certainty in an age of digital manipulation, adding, “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.” Investigators continue reviewing evidence and urge the public not to speculate as the search for Nancy Guthrie remains active.