Investigators said they are aware of a “new message,” which is being examined for its authenticity in an investigation led by the FBI. Earlier this week, several media outlets, including TMZ and KOLD, received messages demanding millions of dollars in bitcoin for Guthrie’s return.
Authorities continue to urge anyone with tips to contact them, with the FBI offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s recovery “and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.”
Here are the latest developments in the case, as Guthrie’s disappearance stretches into its seventh day with still no suspects named:
New message: A second message sent to local news outlet KOLD on Friday included sensitive information, no deadline, and did not appear to be for a ransom, according to anchor Mary Coleman. Without providing more details about the letter’s contents, Coleman said she thinks the sender made an effort to include details they think will prove to investigators it is the same person or people who sent the first.
Fake ransom note: A man who was charged for making an illegitimate ransom threat to Guthrie’s family was released on a $20,000 bond. Derrick Callella, 42, did not enter a plea and is not allowed to contact any victims or witnesses related to the case.
DNA evidence at home: DNA submitted as part of the investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance came back “quickly,” revealing blood found on the porch of her home belonged to her, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Thursday. A security camera from the front‑door area of the home is missing and it is unclear which of the cameras at the home detected motion at around 2 a.m. on Sunday, around the time her pacemaker last pinged her phone.