Note: The Sheriff, as the elected head of the agency, typically only attends the scene of the highest-profile or most severe, complex cases to provide leadership, as seen in recent Arizona major incident investigations.
All times listed are in Arizona time (MST).

Background and Personal History

• Nancy Guthrie was born in 1942 in Fort Wright, Kentucky
• She married Charles Guthrie and raised three children
• She is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, Camron Guthrie, and Annie Guthrie
• She lived much of her adult life in Arizona, later residing in the Catalina Foothills area of Pima County
• She is described by law enforcement as mentally sharp, not suffering from dementia
• She has physical mobility limitations and requires daily medication
• Missing medication for more than 24 hours could be life threatening
• She lived alone but had periodic house staff

January 27, 1942 

• Nancy Ellen Long was born on in Fort Wright, Kentucky, to Pierce Franklin Long Sr. and Margaret Ann McDermott.

1959

• Nancy Ellen Long graduated from Notre Dame Academy, an all-girls Catholic high school in Northern Kentucky.

1963

• Nancy Long (maiden name) was a student at the University of Kentucky.
• Served on staff at The Kentucky Kernel, the University of Kentucky student newspaper.

December 15, 1963

• Announcement of Nancy and Charles Guthrie’s Engagement. Source

December 28, 1963 

• Nancy Guthrie married Charles Errol Guthrie, a Georgia Tech Graduate, Pineville, Kentucky Source
• The couple began raising a family
• Charles Guthrie was transferred to Melbourne, Australia for work, and the family lived in the suburb of Beaumaris, Melbourne, Australia.

December 1971 

• Nancy Guthrie an Charles Guthrie welcomed their younger child Savannah

1973

• The Guthrie family later relocated to Tucson, Arizona

April 4,1975

• The family purchased property located at 5820 N. Camino Escalante Tucson  Source

April 25, 1986

• Pierce Franklin Long Sr. died in Covington, Kenton County, Kentucky.

June 10, 1988

• Charles Guthrie worked as a mining engineer, suffered a fatal heart attack. Place of death is recorded as Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Source
• Cause of death is listed as:
• Cardio-respiratory arrest
• Due to ischemic cardiomyopathy
• With acute myocardial infarction noted.
• Nancy Guthrie became a single mother raising three children alone: Annie Guthrie, Camron Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie.  Source
• She had to find a job.
• She had to mother two teenagers and one young adult.
• She took care of her mother, her brother who had Down syndrome, invited him to live with us.
• She worked part time, turned that into full time, turned that into a career.

May 3, 1990

• Nancy Guthrie put her house on the market. Source

August 1990

• Nancy began working for the University of Arizona.
• Initial role was spokeswoman for University Medical Center.

1992

• Nancy L. Guthrie was appointed Assistant Director for Community Relations within University Advancement, a newly created position. Source
• In this role, she coordinated the “Center Stage” program:
• Organized monthly lunchtime musical performances
• Featured both university musicians and outside performers
• Events were held at the hospital for staff, patients, and visitors
• She also served as Program Director for Medcamp:
• An annual University of Arizona program
• Introduced selected Arizona high school students to careers in the medical field

2000

• Nancy was elected President of the Southern Arizona chapter of the Public Relations Society of America.
• Election cited as recognition of her professional contributions and community engagement.

2003

• Margaret Ann McDermott died.

January 1, 2007

• Nancy’s employment with the University of Arizona concluded.

2012

• Nancy Guthrie flew in an F-16 aircraft Source
• The aircraft was piloted by her son Camron Guthrie during his military service
• The flight occurred in Fort Wright, Kentucky

2016

• Nancy Guthrie became a grandmother

2018

• Camron Guthrie retired from his career as a military pilot Source

2020 to 2021

• Nancy Guthrie experienced extended separation from family during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The family later reunited

November 25, 2021 

• Nancy Guthrie sought help from others on Nextdoor for camera advice, saying she was “interested in seeing animal activity at night,” Source

2022

• Nancy Guthrie’s 80th birthday was publicly celebrated Source

May 14, 2023

• Savannah Guthrie did a segment about her mom Nancy Guthrie: She says it wouldn’t have taken very much for her to forgo her first job in favor of staying home with her mom. Source

“My father died when I was entering my senior year in high school. I then lived at home all through college. We didn’t have money to afford the dorm. And that was thing one, but the other was that my sister and I really felt like we should stick with my mom and not leave her alone,”

She continued, “But when I moved to Butte, Montana, this was it. And it was really hard for me to leave her.” Savannah accepted her first news job in Montana at the age of 21 in a newsroom of four people. “And that’s when she said, ‘If you can’t leave me, then I didn’t do my job right, Savannah,'” Savannah said of her mom’s unselfish stance. “She just gave me permission to go, you know?”

September 25, 2025

• Pima County Development Services electrical inspections conducted at 5820 N Camino Escalante, Tucson, AZ (Permit P25BP07139). Source
• Permit Application by:  Brisa Soto Poche LLC
• 2090 Electric Final inspection result: Not Ready.
• Grounding system verification pending.
• Inspector: Max Repin.
• Reference: MR 3492117.
• 2092 Electric Clearance inspection result: Partial.
• Temporary approval to energize granted.
• Final approval pending grounding verification.
• Existing #4 copper grounding wire required continuity verification.
• Gas bond not visible during inspection.
• Open conductor noted inside main disconnect.
• No site contact available during inspection.
• Submitted to TEP at 12:25 p.m.
• Inspector: Max Repin.

November 2025

• Nancy Guthrie appeared alongside her daughter, highlighting Tucson. Savannah asked her mother what made the family want to plant roots in Tucson in the 1970s. “It’s so wonderful. Just the air, the quality of life,” Nancy said. “It’s laid back and gentle.” Source

January 5, 2026

• 2090 Electric Final inspection passed (remote inspection).  Source
• Bonding and grounding confirmed compliant with NEC standards.
• Inspector: Robert Harris.
• Reference: RH4197502.

January 6, 2026

• 2092 Electric Clearance inspection passed (remote inspection).  Source
• Bonding and grounding confirmed compliant with NEC standards.
• Inspector: Robert Harris.
• Reference: RH4197502.
• Permit P25BP07139 marked Final and locked by Pima County Development Services.

Disappearance and Investigation

January 30, 2026. Afternoon

• Nancy Guthrie hosted friends at her home for a mahjong gathering. Source
• During the visit, Nancy confirmed plans with friend Anne Burnson to attend their regular Sunday church livestream gathering scheduled for February 1, 2026.
• The group routinely met at a friend’s home to watch a recorded livestream of a New York church service attended by Nancy’s daughter, Savannah Guthrie.
• Friends later described Nancy as alert, engaged, and participating normally during the gathering.

January 31, 2026

• 5:32 p.m. Nancy travels to local family member’s home in an Uber.
• 9:48 p.m. Family drops Nancy off at her home. Garage door opens. 
• 9:50 p.m. Garage door closes.

February 1, 2026

• 1:47 a.m. Doorbell camera disconnects.
• 2:12 a.m. Camera software detects a person. (No video available due to no subscription.)
• 2:28 a.m. Pacemaker app shows disconnect from phone.
• 9:00 a.m. Nancy Guthrie failed to appear at an expected Sunday morning gathering.
• Early law enforcement reporting described this as a church appearance: Nancy Guthrie failed to appear at church
• Later source reporting (published February 9, 2026) stated Nancy was instead expected to attend a weekly Sunday gathering at a friend’s home to watch a New York-based church service via live-stream, and was not scheduled to attend an in-person Tucson church service. Source 
• 11:00 a.m. Concern about Nancy’s absence was raised and family members were alerted.
• Later source reporting stated a friend contacted Annie Guthrie after Nancy did not arrive and could not be reached.  Source 
• 11:56 a.m. Family checks on Nancy.
• 12:03 p.m. Family members called 911 to report her missing
• 12:15 p.m Pima County Sheriff’s deputies responded
• Nancy’s car, phone, and wallet still inside the home. 
• “Blood drops” are found leading outside towards the driveway
• the doorbell camera had been removed
• 4:00 p.m SARA was requested by PCSD to assist in the search for Nancy Guthrie. Throughout the night into morning, teams searched desert areas and neighborhoods around the Guthrie home, documenting all findings for use by law enforcement agencies. We encourage anyone with information to please contact 88-CRIME. Source
• Midday to Evening: 
• Border Patrol BORSTAR units deployed canines
• 6:46 p.m PCSD Missing Person: Nancy Guthrie. Please call 9-1-1 if you have seen Mrs. Guthrie or have any information that may help investigators. Source
• 8:55 p.m. Sheriff Nanos is speaking about the investigation & the search underway for Nancy Guthrie. Source
• Search and rescue operations were initiated
• Ground searches, air searches, and technology assisted searches began
• Investigators observed conditions at the home considered concerning
• Evidence suggested Nancy Guthrie did not leave voluntarily

February 2, 2026

• Overnight Extensive search operations continued. Resources deployed included:
• Search and rescue teams
• Canines
• Drones
• Helicopters
• Fixed wing aircraft
• Infrared and heat sensing technology
• Search patterns were digitally mapped and tracked
• The residence remained central to investigative focus
• 9:17 a.m Press Briefing Source
  Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated Nancy Guthrie did not leave on her own
• He declared the residence a crime scene
• Law enforcement stated they believe a crime occurred: Specific evidence details were withheld
• Following Processing of the Home: Investigators formally processed the residence as a crime scene
• Authorities confirmed they are in possession of Nancy Guthrie’s cell phone
• Home surveillance systems were identified and reviewed: they are investigating whether the doorbell camera on the outside of the home was missing 
• Law enforcement stated they do not know whether she was targeted because of her daughter
• so far any DNA results that have come back from the lab have not produced any suspect DNA. They are waiting for more testing results they are not confirming if blood was found inside or outside the house but they were looking for blood, fingerprints, DNA to send to lab 
• Shift in Investigation Strategy: Search and rescue operations were shut down. Air assets were stood down
• Law enforcement stated the case is no longer being treated primarily as a search mission
• The investigation transitioned to a criminal investigation: Detectives, homicide investigators, and forensic teams assumed lead roles
• FBI providing analytical and technical support analyzing cell phones, cell tower info, conducting interviews 
• Last dropped off to her house by a family member around 9:45 pm Saturday night 
• Border Patrol was part of investigation because they have top scent dogs who were used in the area search
• they are done processing the crime scene 
• Investigators issued a ring Alert: Review Ring camera footage from January 31, 2026, between 7:00 PM EST and 7:00 AM EST on February 1, 2026 and share any relevant recordings with the investigating agency. Source
• 12:00 p.m Silver Alert Issued Source
• 7:16 p.m The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the community’s help in locating Nancy Guthrie. If you have any information, including photos or video that may help with this investigation, please submit it through our Tip Line QR code. This allows information to be shared directly & securely with investigators. Every detail matters. Even small tips could make a difference. Please share this post to help us reach more people. Thank you for your continued assistance and support. Source
• 11:25 pm Pima County Sheriff’s Department issued a Reward Source
• Unknown Time: KOLD News, a CBS affiliate in Tucson, reported that it had received a letter demanding payment for Guthrie’s release. Source
• 8:47 p.m. Interview: Chris Nanos provided an investigative update regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie during an interview with ABC News. Source
• Sheriff Nanos said investigators cannot publicly disclose the specific evidence found inside the home because certain details are known only to the intruder, and releasing that information could compromise the investigation. Nanos stated:

“There’s just certain things at that scene that the intruder knows and only he knows, and so we can’t let that out.”

• The sheriff said investigators observed concerning conditions inside the residence, which contributed to the belief that Nancy Guthrie was abducted.
• Nanos explained that his assessment is partly based on experience developed during decades in law enforcement:

 “I’ve been doing this for 50 years now and sometimes you just get this gut instinct when people tell you things that you go, that’s not good.”

• He stated he hopes his concerns ultimately prove wrong but acknowledged that investigators have identified elements at the scene that raised alarms.
• Because of those concerns, the department deployed its homicide investigation team alongside search and rescue resources.
• When asked whether investigators believe a single male suspect was involved, Nanos said multiple perpetrators remain possible.
• The sheriff said investigators removed camera systems from the residence and were attempting to retrieve data from them.
• He expressed hope that video evidence could help break the case open:

 “Hopefully we’ll get that download from those cameras we removed from that residence… I’m praying that will break this case open for us.”

• Investigators were working with the camera manufacturer to retrieve stored footage or server data connected to the system.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators also have Nancy Guthrie’s cell phone and were conducting a full forensic data extraction.
• He said the department was gathering and reviewing electronic evidence, describing the effort as part of a broader digital forensic investigation.
• Investigators were also conducting DNA testing on evidence collected from the home.
• Nanos said rapid DNA testing equipment in Tucson was temporarily unavailable, so samples were transported to Phoenix for testing.
• Results were expected to take several days, even with expedited processing.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was taken from her bedroom, but declined to discuss whether there were signs of forced entry or a struggle. 
•  He also declined to specify how the suspect entered or exited the home, stating investigators believe they understand the likely route but will not release that information.
• Nanos stated the assessment about entry and exit was based on the condition of the home when investigators first arrived.
• Despite the seriousness of the investigation and the involvement of homicide detectives, Nanos said authorities were still treating the effort as a search and rescue operation. He stated investigators were continuing to hope Nancy Guthrie was alive and being held somewhere.
• Sheriff Nanos said the Guthrie family had been cooperating closely with investigators and remained in regular contact with the department. He described the family as devastated but supportive of the investigation.
• Nanos said investigators were continuing to review new information daily and would hold a press conference if developments warranted a public update.

February 3, 2026

• 11:42 a.m Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos held a joint media briefing with the FBI in Tucson, Arizona, regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Jon Edwards, the assistant special agent in charge of the FBI’s Tucson field office, joined Nanos. Source
• Detectives collected DNA samples from the home that have been confirmed to belong to Nancy Guthrie. Source
• Sheriff Nanos says there is “evidence” in the home that, in investigators’ view, “shows and suggests” Nancy Guthrie was removed from the home against her will.
• He repeats that they do not believe she left the home by herself on foot, and clarifies they do not believe she walked out on her own.
• He says they believe she was forced out, and investigators do not yet know whether she walked out under force or was carried out
• FBI joins Pima County Sheriff  Source
• 1:30 p.m Pima County Sheriff to Give Update on Nancy Guthrie Investigation
• 1:49 p.m PCSD issued statement: We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie. Source
• 2:49 p.m. TMZ publicly reports that it has received a ransom note allegedly connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
• 3:49 p.m. Pima County Sheriff’s Department, under Sheriff Chris Nanos, issues a public statement acknowledging: Source
• They are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s).
• All tips and leads are being taken very seriously.
• Any information received is being routed directly to detectives.
• Detectives are coordinating with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

February 4, 2026

• 8:07 a.m. Statement on the Nancy Guthrie investigation  Source
• Investigators state that no suspect or person of interest has been identified in the case at this time.
• Detectives continue to speak with anyone who may have had contact with Mrs. Guthrie.
• Detectives are working closely with the Guthrie family.
• The sheriff’s office warns that the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.
• The statement reiterates that no suspect or person of interest has been identified at this time.
• 4:30 p.m. Investigators re-established crime scene tape at Nancy Guthrie’s residence. Source
• A heavy law enforcement presence was observed at the home. Units on scene include:
•  K9 units
• Search teams
• No public statement has been issued at this time explaining the specific purpose of the renewed scene control.
• 4:50 p.m. Law enforcement officers are conducting a grid search behind Nancy Guthrie’s property. The search involves coordinated personnel operating in a structured pattern. Source
• 6:00 p.m. A candlelight prayer service for Nancy Guthrie is set for Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 6 p.m. Source
• The event will take place at St. Philip’s in the Hills Episcopal Church, located at 4440 North Campbell Avenue. 
• With the consent of the Guthrie family, a Service of Compline with a vigil will be offered for Nancy Guthrie. The service will be streamed, allowing members of the public to participate remotely  Source
• The community is invited to join in prayer for Nancy Guthrie and her family, with hopes for her safe return. Attendees are encouraged to enter the campus via the second driveway, north of River Road, with parking available on the north side of the church. Source
• 6:06 p.m. Update: Detectives are conducting follow-up investigative activity at the Guthrie residence and in the surrounding neighborhood. Parking in the area is reported as extremely limited. Authorities advise that if traffic congestion continues due to media presence: Source
• A new media staging area has been designated near East Orange Grove Road and North Camino La Zorrella.  Source
• The staging area has been issued to manage media access and traffic flow in the surrounding area.  Source
• 6:00 p.m. Savannah Guthrie says they are aware of a ransom letter and they are “ready to talk.” Asks possible abductors to reach out to them. Source
• 6:02 p.m. : Anne and her Husband received text message from VOIP number asking if Bitcoin demands. Source

February 5, 2026

• 11:15 a.m. Chris Nanos, Sheriff of Pima County, is scheduled to conduct a briefing regarding the investigation. Source
• Blood located on porch or front stoop area near front door. Source
• DNA from porch blood rushed for testing.
• DNA result returns matching Nancy.
• Additional items submitted for lab testing, results pending.
• House processed for biological evidence.
• No additional DNA results returned at time of press conference.
• Doorbell camera reported removed.
• Camera not in law enforcement possession.
• Camera not located.
• Vehicle at residence processed as part of search warrant and scene processing.
• Uber driver located and interviewed after investigators learned Nancy used Uber to travel to family residence for dinner.
• Pharmacies contacted regarding Nancy’s medications.
• Law enforcement conducted repeated hospital checks.
• Deputies physically checked hospitals and logs.
• Officials state Nancy requires daily medication.
• Officials state missing medication for multiple days could be fatal.
• The FBI stated they are in communication with the family Source
• 2:49 p.m The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. She was last seen at her residence in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, on the evening of January 31, 2026. Source

February 6, 2026

• Catalina Foothills Association: We received notification from the Sheriff’s Department that they and the FBl are resuming searches on properties in the area starting immediately. They will most likely be searching property west of Campbell and requested we contact our CFA residents for awareness. Source
• Kash Patel held a press conference at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., where he briefly addressed the case.
• 11:45 a.m. 13 News received the new note this morning. We sent the IP address where the note came from to law enforcement. It is NOT the same IP address as the initial note, but it appears the sender used the same type of secure server to hide their IP address. The new note contains something the senders seem to think will prove to investigators they’re the same people who sent the first note. Source
• 1:57 p.m Investigators visited a gas station near Nancy Guthrie’s home in Tucson, Arizona, Friday, seeking information about a particular individual as part of their probe into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
• 3:00 p.m. KOLD has received another email tied to the Guthrie case. The FBI is currently reviewing it.
• 3:05 p.m. Update: The FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department are aware of a new message regarding Nancy Guthrie. Investigators are actively inspecting the information provided in the message for its authenticity. While this is one new piece of information, the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department are still asking anyone with tips to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI. The FBI continues to offer a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. Source
• 4:00 p.m. Investigators are conducting follow-up at the Guthrie home & in the surrounding areas. The roadway in front of the home is currently restricted to provide investigators space. (Camino Escalante is restricted from Cerrada Nopal to E Camino el Ganado) Source
• 4:30 p.m Law enforcement officials in Arizona are searching for a vehicle or vehicles that may be connected to the Nancy Guthrie investigation Source
• A Circle K spokesperson told NBC News that law enforcement visited one of their stores on Oracle Road in Tucson after “receiving a tip regarding a vehicle of interest, and our team has provided them access to the store’s surveillance video.”
• 8:00 p.m. Speaking to reporters as a vehicle was towed from the Guthrie home, Trump stated, “We have some things” and suggested updates could be coming from the FBI. Source

“I think we’re doing very well on that regard,” Trump said. “We have some clues, I think, that are very strong. And I think we could have some answers coming up fairly soon.” 

“I’m talking about a solution. We have some things I think that will maybe come out reasonably soon from DOJ or FBI, or whoever,” Trump continued. “It could be definitive.” 

“A lot has taken place in the last couple of hours. A lot of things have happened with regard to that horrible situation in the last couple of hours,” 

• 9:00 p.m. Vehicle towed from Nancy Guthrie’s home for processing. 
• FBI and local law enforcement conducted follow-up evidence collection at the property.
• Surveillance equipment was removed, including a solar-powered camera and an additional camera associated with a nearby structure – casita / guest building in some coverage. 

February 7, 2026

• Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released another video. Ransom for Nancy Guthrie is $6 million dollars  Source
• Savannah Guthrie  Source:
• We received your message and we understand.
• This is very valuable to us and we will pay.
• We beg you now to return our mother to us, so that we can celebrate with her.
• This is the only way we will have peace.
• 7:10 p.m. Pima County Sheriff’s Department deputies are spotted at Guthrie’s home. Those with information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance are asked to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at: 520-351-4900.
• 9:00 p.m. Law enforcement was conducting a consent search at Annie Guthrie’s house. ‪‬ Source
• Camera flashes are observed from inside the windows.
• Law enforcement appear to be taking photographs inside the residence.
• Savannah Guthrie and her siblings, who had been staying at their older sister’s home several miles away, left the location as investigators conducted their search. Source
• 11:33 p.m. All the deputies have left Annie Guthrie’s house. They were inside for about 3 hours. Source

February 8, 2026

• 10:00 a.m. Update from Prima County Sheriff Department: The Nancy Guthrie investigation is ongoing. Follow-up continues at multiple locations. No suspects, persons of interest, or vehicles have been identified. No scheduled press briefings. If any significant developments occur in the case, a press conference will be called. Source
• 3:15 p.m. Pima County Sheriff’s Department: At the request of the Guthrie family, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department will maintain a presence at Nancy Guthrie’s residence for security purposes going forward. Members of the media and the public are reminded that all traffic laws and private property laws must be followed. No trespassing is allowed on Nancy Guthrie’s property. Violations will be subject to enforcement. Source

February 9, 2026

• 3:00 p.m. Savannah Guthrie released another video Source

“We are entering into another week of this nightmare. We are at an hour of desperation and we need your help.
We believe our mom is still out there. We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly, around the clock, trying to bring her home, trying to find her.
She was taken and we don’t know where. No matter where you are even if you’re far from Tucson if you see anything, if you hear anything, if there’s anything at all that seems strange to you, that you report to law enforcement.
They are ready to follow up on every lead. They need your eyes. She needs you. All of you.
Please, if there’s anything at all, call it in. Thank you.”

• 4:32 p.m. Pima County Sheriff says law enforcement activity at the Guthrie homes “will continue tonight and into tomorrow” … “as part of the ongoing investigative process, including the expansion of the search and follow-up on new leads.” Source
• 5:00 p.m. Reported second deadline contained in alleged ransom communication reached, widely reported as approximately 5:00 p.m. local time (Arizona).
• Ransom demand reportedly involved millions of dollars in cryptocurrency, according to media reporting.
• Law enforcement publicly stated the ransom communication had not been verified as authentic, but was being treated as an active investigative lead.
• No publicly confirmed proof of life or verified communication from any potential abductor had been announced by authorities as of this deadline.
• Evening: FBI Director Kash Patel arrived in Tucson, Arizona.

February 10, 2026

• 10:00 a.m. Law enforcement plans to release a surveillance photo of a possible suspect in the Nancy Guthrie abduction case later today.  Source
• 10:52 a.m FBI release images: New images in the search for Nancy Guthrie: Over the last eight days, the FBI and Pima County Sheriff’s Department have been working closely with our private sector partners to continue to recover any images or video footage from Nancy Guthrie’s home that may have been lost, corrupted, or inaccessible due to a variety of factors – including the removal of recording devices. The video was recovered from residual data located in back-end systems.
• A small, circular light source is visible at the subject’s mouth area. The positioning is consistent with a mouth held work light such as a bite style LED, however the image quality and angle do not allow confirmation of the device type.
• One individual is visible near the front door area.  Source
• The individual is wearing a full face covering consistent with a mask or balaclava.
• The individual is wearing gloves.
• The individual appears to be wearing a jacket or hoodie and long pants.
• Shoulder straps or a backpack with reflective elements are visible.
• The individual is holding a flowers in one hand to obscure the doorbell video.
• 10:59 p.m Savannah Guthrie posts the photos to her Instagram account, and shares a brief message with her followers
• 12:51 p.m PCSD: We understand the strong interest surrounding the Nancy Guthrie case. To ensure we can respond to other emergencies, we must keep 9-1-1 lines open for situations requiring immediate assistance. These lines are not the appropriate place to share opinions or commentary. If you have actionable tips, please use one of the following: 1-800-CALL-FBI | 88-CRIME | 520-351-4900  tips.fbi.gov  Source
• 4 :00 p.m. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the FBI, has detained an individual for questioning in connection with the abduction of Nancy Guthrie.  Source
• 5:00 p.m. PT Media reports state TMZ received a third message allegedly connected to the Nancy Guthrie case. Source
• According to the report, the sender demanded 1 Bitcoin in exchange for providing the alleged name of the abductor.
• The communication reportedly arrived to TMZ shortly before 5:00 a.m. PT and was later publicly discussed by TMZ host Harvey Levin during a television appearance.
• The sender allegedly claimed they had attempted to contact family members prior to contacting media.
• The message reportedly included a Bitcoin wallet address described as active, though this alone does not verify legitimacy.
• TMZ has not publicly released the full text or images of the alleged communication. ‘And they said they want one Bitcoin sent to a Bitcoin address that we have confirmed is active.’
• Law enforcement has not publicly confirmed authenticity or connection to the abduction as of this entry.
• 7:30 p.m. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department, with assistance from the FBI, has detained an individual for questioning in connection with the abduction of Nancy Guthrie. Source
• 8:24 p.m Statement from Pima County Sheriff’s Department deputies detained a subject during a traffic stop south of Tucson. Source
• Statement from FBI: “Currently, the FBI’s Evidence Response Team is assisting the Pima County Sheriff’s Department with a court-authorized search of a location in Rio Rico, AZ related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation. Law enforcement will be present at this location for several hours. We’re asking the public and media to avoid congesting the area.”
• 11:36 p.m. Police cordoned off Camino Agosto near Interstate 19 in Rio Rico, Arizona. 
• Location is about one hour south of Tucson.
• Search activity was confirmed to be related to the Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation.

February 11, 2026

• 12:34 a.m. Statements from woman whose home was searched: Source
• Said the detained man is her son-in-law.
• Said investigators swarmed her home and forced entry by breaking down the door.
• Stated she had no knowledge of any crime.
• Walked past police tape and toward her home after speaking with reporters.
• Son-in-law was working delivering food when stopped and detained by police.
• Said he works in shipping in Tucson during the week.
• Said he stays with his mother while working in Tucson.
• Said he and her daughter were saving money to rent their own apartment.
• Strongly denied that the person shown in police-released doorbell camera footage was her son-in-law.
• 2:08 a.m. Door Dash Statement: We are urgently investigating reports that an individual detained in relation to the Nancy Guthrie case was a delivery driver. We have reached out to law enforcement and are ready to support their critical investigation in any way we can. Like tens of millions around the world, our hearts are with the Guthrie family during this heart-wrenching time. Source
• 3:14 a.m The person of interest detained in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie was questioned and released.
• Carlos Alberto Palazuelos has been released he says he is innocent and has nothing to do with Nancy Guthrie.
• 8:25 a.m. Third letter sent to TMZ founder Harvey Levin claims to know who Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper is.
• 10:16 a.m. TMZ founder Harvey Levin says outlet received a third letter, from someone claiming to know the identity of Nancy’s kidnapper, and demanding one Bitcoin. The letter reportedly said that the person had tried to contact Savannah, Annie and Camron directly.
• 11:00 a.m. FBI agents are conducting an “extensive search” in Nancy Guthrie’s neighborhood in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills. The bureau is also urging motorists to use caution near law enforcement activity. Source
• 3.07 p.m. A black glove was found in roadside brush roughly 1.5 miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home, according to the New York Post. Officers collected the item as evidence.  Source
• 3:43 p.m. FBI searching Nancy Guthrie’s yard Source
• 3:49 p.m. FBI tells media that the Rio Rico man, Carlos Palazuelos, who was detained, questioned, and later released, was not identified solely from newly released Nest camera footage.
• Investigators stated the detention resulted from broader investigative background work and information development.
• Law enforcement indicated that similarity of eye appearance alone was not sufficient to identify or confirm involvement.
• No charges have been filed and no suspect has been publicly confirmed in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
• 7:17 p.m. The sheriff confirmed to a news outlet that a pair of black gloves is now undergoing DNA testing. This development was prompted by the surveillance video. Source
• 10:15 p.m Graham County Dispatch this was a vehicle of interest in the Nancy Guthrie case Source
• Trying to locate 2019 Chevy Malibu Dark Blue

February 12, 2026

• 8:00 a.m Law Enforcement is setting a tent outside the front door of Nancy Guthrie’s house Source
• Investigators were observed with professional video capture hardware and forensic measurement tools.
• In general forensic workflows, such tools can be used to review high resolution video evidence and compare subjects against known physical reference measurements.
• Unknown Time: Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) investigators packaged a glove that was recovered approximately two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s residence and shipped it overnight to their contracted private forensic laboratory in Florida for DNA analysis. The glove was one of approximately 16 gloves collected from areas surrounding the residence and nearby roadside locations. Investigators noted that most of the recovered gloves were identified as discarded gloves belonging to volunteer searchers and were not considered evidentiary. One glove was identified as evidentiary after forensic examination determined it contained a DNA profile believed to be associated with the individual seen in surveillance video near Nancy Guthrie’s residence.
• 12:13 p.m. Investigators are requesting all video footage that includes vehicles, vehicle traffic, people/pedestrians, and anything out of the ordinary or important to our investigation from January 31, 2026 – February 2, 2026 near E. Skyline Dr. & N. Campbell Ave. (2-mile radius). All video is being reviewed.  Link to submit video Note: We are uncertain PCSD meant they are requesting a footage from January 1, 2026, or from January 31, 2026. We are waiting for clarification.
• 12:14 p.m Corrections Issued by The Pima County Sheriff’s Department: The Pima County Sheriff’s Department periodically uses the Neighbors App to contact residents with home surveillance cameras. Requests will come from “Pima County Sheriff’s Department” with a blue checkmark. Please verify legitimate posts before sharing. Source
• 2:07 p.m. FBI and sheriff seeking to question man with backpack captured on video just miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home on night she vanished. Source
• 4:04 p.m. FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. New identifying details about the suspect in the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie have been confirmed after a forensic analysis of the doorbell camera footage by the FBI’s Operational Technology Division. Source The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5’9” – 5’10” tall, with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack.
• We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving. Since February 1, 2026, the FBI has collected over 13,000 tips from the public related to this case. Every tip is reviewed for credibility, relevance, and information that can be acted upon by law enforcement. Threat Intake Examiners at the National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) and FBI personnel are supporting a 24-hour command post in which dozens of agents and investigators are assigned leads and tips to action each shift.
• Media outlets should direct tips they receive to the FBI. Additionally, we do not comment on tips and information we receive regarding ongoing investigations.
• Continue to submit information to the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or tips.fbi.gov to help us bring Nancy home.

February 13, 2026

• 8:00 a.m. Pool cleaners were seen leaving the backyard of Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home Friday,
• Update: Pima County Sheriff’s Department and FBI Joint Investigation Update (Media Statement) Source
• PCSD and the FBI state they continue working jointly on the investigation.
• Authorities describe the partnership as strong and critical to the case.
• Forensic evidence continues to be sent to the same out-of-state lab used since the start of the investigation.
• PCSD states this lab decision was discussed with and agreed upon by local FBI leadership.
• Evidence:
• Multiple gloves have been located during the investigation.
• The closest gloves were found about two miles from the Guthrie residence. The glove shipped by PCSD arrived at the contracted private forensic laboratory in Florida for DNA testing and analysis.
• PCSD states reports claiming a glove was found inside the home or on the property are inaccurate.
• All collected evidence has been submitted for laboratory testing.
• Investigators recovered DNA that does not belong to Nancy Guthrie or individuals known to be in close contact with her.
• Authorities are working to identify the source of that DNA.
• Investigators are not disclosing where that DNA was located.
• Leads:
• Investigators state they are continuing to follow up on all leads.
• The FBI suspect description released earlier this week remains a primary focus.
• Authorities state they are not ruling out any individuals or possibilities.
• No suspect vehicles have been identified at this time.
• Public tips and submitted video footage are still being reviewed.
• Video Requests:
• PCSD will send additional surveillance requests through the Neighbors App.
• Investigators are requesting video covering January 1, 2026 through February 2, 2026.
• Request includes suspicious people or vehicles.
• Residence Activity:
• Pool maintenance was conducted at the home at the request of the Guthrie family.
• Media Access:
• No press conferences are currently scheduled.
• The sheriff is conducting a limited number of one-on-one interviews today.
• No additional interviews are expected through the weekend.
• Media outlets are encouraged to coordinate with local affiliates when possible.
• Pima County Sheriff’s Office SWAT:
• Pima County Sheriff’s Office SWAT units and FBI agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Tucson, Arizona, located approximately two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home.
• The operation involved multiple law enforcement units, including:
• Pima County Sheriff’s Office deputies
  Pima County SWAT team
• FBI agents
• FBI Evidence Response Team personnel
• Law enforcement secured the residence and began conducting a forensic search of the property.
• FBI Evidence Response Team members were observed entering the scene, indicating evidence collection procedures were underway, which may include collection of DNA, trace evidence, digital devices, or other forensic materials.
• Multiple individuals present at or connected to the residence were detained during the execution of the search warrant. Detention during a search warrant is a standard investigative procedure and does not necessarily indicate arrest or criminal charges.
• Chris Nanos addressed reports alleging that the Pima County Sheriff’s Department was withholding evidence from the Federal Bureau of Investigation during the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Source
• Sheriff Nanos stated that the sheriff’s department and the FBI were working closely together and described the relationship as “connected at the hip.”
• He said decisions in the investigation are made collaboratively between agencies, including discussions about whether to use federal or state judges for search warrants and how best to execute investigative steps.
• Nanos said the allegation that evidence was being withheld from the FBI was “so far from the truth.”
• According to Nanos, investigators processed the crime scene the morning Nancy Guthrie was reported missing and contacted the FBI that same morning for assistance with digital forensic analysis.
• Digital evidence was provided to the FBI for analysis, while other evidence collected from the home was sent to the department’s long-time forensic laboratory for testing.
• Nanos explained that investigators chose to keep certain forensic evidence at the same laboratory in order to streamline DNA comparison work, particularly for elimination samples and evidence markers.
• The sheriff said both the FBI laboratory and the department’s laboratory were capable, but investigators chose to keep evidence in one place to avoid delays caused by transferring materials between labs.
• He said that after gloves were discovered during search operations, investigators again discussed with the FBI where the items should be tested and agreed to send them to the same laboratory already processing other evidence.
• Nanos confirmed that investigative results and findings are being shared between the FBI and the sheriff’s department.
• The sheriff said surveillance videos obtained by investigators were quickly shared with the media once they were reviewed.
• According to Nanos, investigators had the videos for only a short period before releasing them publicly in hopes of generating leads.
• Nanos said the investigation remains a team effort involving multiple agencies, including:
• The FBI
• Arizona Department of Public Safety
• Tucson Police Department
• Regional law enforcement teams.
• He confirmed the Pima County Sheriff’s Department remains the lead agency, with the FBI assisting.
• The sheriff said investigators from multiple agencies are working together daily and communicating regularly about leads and investigative strategy.
• Nanos stated that investigators initially requested assistance from the FBI shortly after the crime scene was processed on the morning the investigation began.
• During the interview, the sheriff discussed the discovery of gloves located approximately two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s residence.
• He confirmed that no gloves were found inside the home.
• The sheriff said investigators recovered one pair of gloves about two miles from the residence, though additional gloves have been reported or collected in wider search areas as investigators follow leads.
• Nanos explained that investigators are collecting and evaluating all items reported during searches, prioritizing those found closer to the residence.
• When asked whether the gloves could match the gloves worn by the individual seen in surveillance images, Nanos said the forensic work is ongoing and investigators cannot rule out that possibility.
• The sheriff said investigators have received numerous tips regarding suspicious vehicles in the area, including reports about a white truck, though he declined to discuss specific vehicle leads.
• Nanos confirmed investigators are following up on all vehicle-related tips received from the public.
• He said the investigation had generated approximately 18,000 leads for the sheriff’s department and about 14,000 leads for the FBI during the first ten days of the investigation.
• After surveillance images were released publicly, investigators received approximately 4,500 additional tips within hours.
• Nanos said investigators believe someone in the community may recognize the individual captured in surveillance footage and urged the public to continue submitting tips.
• The sheriff confirmed investigators executed a search warrant in Rio Rico related to a person who had been in the area. He said the individual had been identified as a delivery driver who had a legitimate reason to be in the neighborhood?
• However, Nanos emphasized that investigators do not completely eliminate individuals early in an investigation, explaining that evidence could later change investigative conclusions.
• The sheriff said probable cause for the search warrant was based on multiple factors, not solely the person’s presence in the area.
• Nanos declined to describe additional evidence collected during the investigation, citing the need to protect investigative details.
• He confirmed investigators are continuing efforts to obtain additional surveillance footage from neighborhood camera systems and technology companies.
• The sheriff said investigators have extended requests for home surveillance footage to cover a wider time range, including requests for footage around January 11, though he did not explain the significance of that date.
• Nanos stated investigators hope additional video evidence could help identify the person captured in surveillance images.
• He reiterated that more than 400 law enforcement personnel are involved in the investigation and said authorities remain committed to identifying the suspect and locating Nancy Guthrie.
• 9:47 p.m. There is no press briefing scheduled for tonight regarding the Nancy Guthrie investigation. A written statement is forthcoming. Source
• 11:09 p.m. SWAT vehicle leaving blocked area related to Guthrie search near Orange Grove and Camino de Michael. Source
• 11:47 p.m. Law enforcement activity is underway at a residence near E Orange Grove Rd & N First Ave related to the Guthrie case. Because this is a joint investigation, at the request of the FBI – no additional information is currently available. Source

February 14, 2026

• Update: No arrests have been officially confirmed.
• No suspect has been publicly identified.
• Law enforcement continues forensic analysis and investigative follow up related to the search warrant.
• 2:00 p.m Updates from Sheriff Nanos: Source
• There was no suicide or shooting connected to the operations last night
• No sign of Nancy at the home that was searched
• The person of interest involved in the traffic stop at Culver’s cooperated and was released
• 11:15 p.m The FBI is holding off on providing an update in the Nancy Guthrie case until evidence testing results are returned. Source
• Friday night’s operations are being withheld pending those results. Once they come in, expected sometime Saturday, the FBI plans to release new information on the direction of the investigation.
• Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said there have been no signs of Nancy Guthrie as late-night searches were conducted near the home of the missing 84-year-old.
• Friday night’s operation was conducted based on “a lead that led to a search warrant and no arrest.” He later added that there were no signs of Guthrie at the home
• DNA: The FBI received preliminary DNA analysis results from the private laboratory. The preliminary analysis identified an unknown male DNA profile recovered from the glove.
• The FBI began the process of reviewing the profile for quality control and verification prior to entry into CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), the national forensic DNA database used by law enforcement. 

February 15, 2026

• Investigators collected approximately 16 gloves in various areas near the house. Most of them were searcher’s gloves that they discarded in various areas when they searched the vicinity. The one with the DNA profile recovered is different and appears to match the gloves of the subject in the surveillance video. The FBI has and will continue to provide assistance on whatever timeline is provided to us.” Source
• 5:56 p.m. Savannah Guthrie pleads on Instagram for the return of her mother in the fourth video posted on her social media since her mother disappeared.
  “I wanted to come on, and um, it’s been two weeks since our mom was taken, and I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope, and we still believe,” Savannah Guthrie said. “And I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is that it’s never too late, and you are not lost or alone.”

February 16, 2026

• Media Update from PCSD:
• February 12, 2026 – Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) investigators packaged a glove recovered approximately two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s residence and shipped it overnight to their contracted private forensic laboratory in Florida for DNA analysis.
• The glove was one of approximately 16 gloves collected from areas surrounding the residence and nearby roadside locations.
• Investigators noted that most of the recovered gloves were identified as discarded gloves belonging to volunteer searchers and were not considered evidentiary.
• One glove was identified as evidentiary after forensic examination determined it contained a DNA profile believed to be associated with the individual seen in surveillance video near Nancy Guthrie’s residence.
• February 13, 2026 The glove shipped by PCSD arrived at the contracted private forensic laboratory in Florida for DNA testing and analysis.
• February 14, 2026 The FBI received preliminary DNA analysis results from the private laboratory.
• The preliminary analysis identified an unknown male DNA profile recovered from the glove.
• The FBI began the process of reviewing the profile for quality control and verification prior to entry into CODIS (Combined DNA Index System), the national forensic DNA database used by law enforcement.
• According to PCSD, the FBI typically requires approximately 24 hours from receipt of DNA results to complete initial review and prepare a DNA profile for entry into CODIS.
• The FBI confirmed it would continue assisting with forensic analysis and investigative support.
• Additional Official Clarifications Provided by PCSD
• PCSD confirmed the glove containing the unknown DNA profile appears consistent with gloves worn by the individual observed in surveillance video near Nancy Guthrie’s residence.
• PCSD stated that clothing observed in surveillance video may have been purchased at Walmart, but this has not been confirmed and remains only a possibility.
• PCSD clarified that it has never officially stated the incident was a burglary gone wrong and emphasized the investigation remains active and ongoing.
• PCSD directed all future inquiries regarding the glove evidence and DNA analysis to the FBI.
• No press briefings were scheduled as of this date, and PCSD stated that future developments would be announced through official channels.
• 1:50 p.m. A statement from Sheriff Chris Nanos on the Nancy Guthrie Investigation: Guthrie family – to include all siblings and spouses – has been cleared as possible suspects in this case. Source

February 17, 2026

• 10:50 a.m. FBI Update: FBI reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. The suspect is described as a male, approximately 5’9” – 5’10” tall of average build. Report tips to 1-800-CALL-FBI or http://tips.fbi.gov to help us bring Nancy home. Source
• 11:20 a.m. The latest from PCSD: Source
• DNA: DNA evidence from gloves found approximately 2 miles from the house was submitted to a lab in Florida and to CODIS this morning. There were no DNA hits in CODIS. At this point, there have been no confirmed CODIS matches in this investigation. DNA: This process takes time. As mentioned above, the gloves submitted to CODIS produced no hits. There is additional DNA evidence that was found at the residence, and that is also being analyzed.  Source
• Pacemaker: Nancy Guthrie’s pacemaker: Investigators are attempting to locate the device and are working with the manufacturer and other experts in the field to assist in that effort.
• Doorbell video released by the FBI: Investigators are working with Walmart management to identify and isolate the individual who purchased the backpack.
• Guthrie Family: In criminal investigations, evidence is examined to either build a case or clear individuals. At this point in the investigation, the Guthrie family (including siblings and spouses) has not been identified as suspects. Source
• Leads: Investigators are still processing evidence from two search warrants executed last week. The individuals who were questioned have been released, and no arrests have been made. As this investigation continues, you can expect to see similar activity. PCSD has not confirmed the number of leads investigators are actively pursuing. Regarding gun shops, investigators are canvassing businesses and showing the doorbell video released by the FBI to determine whether the suspect appears familiar.
• Press Briefings/Interviews: There are currently no press briefings scheduled. Should a significant development occur, a press conference will be announced. Media will be notified via email and the @pimasheriff X account. The Sheriff is all booked up for interviews today and will not be holding media availability tomorrow.” Source

February 18, 2026

• 8:00 a.m. Authorities confirm that there is no evidence to suggest that Nancy has been across the southern border into Mexico, adding that they had communicated with Mexican officials about the possibility. 
• 3:14 p.m. Scileppi Law can confirm that Daley was the subject of two search warrants issued and served on February 13, 2026. Luke Daley and his mother were both detained by law enforcement while the search warrants were being executed. Source
• Neither Daley nor his mother were arrested in connection to this case or any other. Daley has no link whatsoever to Nancy Guthrie and has no information related to her kidnapping. Like the entire Tucson community, both Daley and his mother are hopeful that Nancy will be returned to her family unharmed.”
• Media Briefing Email: Source
• DNA: Investigators are currently analyzing biological evidence found at Nancy Guthrie’s residence. DNA profiles are currently under lab analysis. The number of profiles, and other related details remain part of the active investigation. No further information will be released at this time.
• Tips: 88-CRIME received an anonymous donation today of $100,000, allowing the program to increase the reward for this case to $102,500. 88-Crime’s This is in addition to the $100,000 FBI reward being offered. The FBI is not involved in the administration of any non-FBI rewards.
• Additional Information: PCSD has received various requests for confirmation of various topics including working with Mexican authorities, utilizing polygraph tests, specific video surveillance requests, financial analysis, etc. PCSD is not confirming or releasing any details regarding those topics at this time.
• SWAT Activity: We do not share where our teams are dispatched to for officer safety. There was a call this afternoon that is not related to the Nancy Guthrie investigation.
• Press Briefings/ Interviews: There are currently no press briefings scheduled. If any significant developments occur, a press conference will be called, and the media will be notified via email and our @pimasheriff X account. The sheriff is no longer conducting one-on-one interviews at this time. If that changes, we will let you know.”

February 19, 206

• 9:02 a.m The FBI’s National Threat Operations Center (NTOC) has received more than 19,000 tips related to the Nancy Guthrie case since February 1, 2026 Source
• Threat intake examiners are working 24/7 to answer calls coming into the 1-800-CALL-FBI tip line and review those submitted at tips.fbi.gov.
• FBI reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.
• 3:58 p.m. Update: This remains an active investigation. As long as leads continue to come in, investigators will continue to follow up on them. Currently, several hundred personnel are assigned to this case from various law enforcement agencies and are actively reviewing thousands of tips. Source
• DNA: Lab analysis continues on biological evidence (DNA) found at Nancy Guthrie’s residence. To be clear – this is not new or different evidence from what was already recovered from the property. No further information will be released at this time.
• Calls/Tips: PCSD: Please see updated PCSD 9-1-1 Communications Center call numbers, including a previous year and month comparison below. These are total calls, as we do not track the number of Guthrie related calls. Administrative calls include our non-emergency line and other calls that come into the center other than 9-1-1.
• February 1-18,2026: Total Calls (911, Admin.): 31,608 | Total Administrative Calls: 23,130
• FBI: The FBI has received more than 20,000 tips to date and we continue to urge people to call 1-800-CALL-FBI (800-225-5324) with any information.
• Clothing: The only item that has been positively identified is the Ozark backpack. Investigators are working to determine where the other items may have been purchased.
• Press Briefings/Interviews: There are currently no press briefings scheduled. Should a significant development occur, a press conference will be announced. Media will be notified via email and the @pimasheriff X account. The Sheriff will not be holding media availability tomorrow or through the weekend.”

February 20, 2026

• Investigation: Detectives and agents continue to actively follow up on leads. Neighbors have submitted surveillance video from the area, and investigators are carefully reviewing that footage. DNA analysis is underway on biological evidence recovered during the investigation. This process can be lengthy. There is no additional information available at this time.
• Suspects: Investigators continue seeking information to help identify the individual captured on doorbell surveillance video. As the Sheriff has previously stated, while we are requesting information related to the person seen on video, investigators are not ruling out the possibility that more than one person may be involved.
• The Pima County Department of Transportation, at the request of Catalina Foothills Estates Neighborhood Association residents, and in coordination with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and Rural Metro Fire, is temporarily restricting the direction of travel on Camino Escalante to eliminate or reduce parking and traffic congestion related to the investigation of the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.
• Since the Sheriff’s Department began investigating the case Feb. 1, media and other members of the public have been parking on the narrow easements of the quiet neighborhood road in the Catalina Foothills. There often are so many media gathered in the area and vehicles parking on the sides of the road, that vehicles travelling in opposite directions have been unable to get past each other. Neighbors also have reported that trash trucks have been unable to service the neighborhood. Rural Metro Fire has expressed concern that it will have difficulty responding to emergencies in the neighborhood due to the tight quarters caused by all the parked cars and trucks in the easements and even in the roadway in some instances.
• The changes will go into effect Feb. 21. “We believe making the road one-way is the best possible solution for everyone,” said Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher. “It allows for continued media access to the area while ensuring neighbors can enter and exit without obstruction. It protects public safety by maintaining access for fire service vehicles and reducing chances of collisions, or conflicts between media and neighbors; and it allows for trash, mail, package delivery, and school bus vehicles,” Lesher said.
• The restriction will create one-way travel going north from the intersection at North Camino Miraval and North Camino Escalante to East Camino La Zorrela. The County will place Do Not Enter signs at the Camino Escalante and Camino La Zorrela intersection. Parking on the road will only be allowed on the west side. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department will enforce these restrictions. About 60 residences along Camino Escalante will be affected by the temporary change. The change will last until no longer needed, Lesher said.
• Pima County Code gives authority to the County Engineer to make temporary traffic control changes for public safety purposes.

February 21, 2026

• Update from PCSD: The Pima County Sheriff’s Department clarified that the January 31, 2026 at 7:00 PM timestamp shown on the official evidence submission portal does not represent the missing person report time.
• A Sheriff’s spokesperson stated the date reflects the reference point used for public video evidence submissions, based on Nancy Guthrie’s last confirmed sighting on January 31, 2026.
• Law enforcement confirmed the timestamp is administrative and tied to the requested evidence collection window, not the time Nancy was reported missing.
• Investigators have requested the public submit surveillance video recorded between January 1, 2026 and February 2, 2026.
• The requested footage must be recorded within a two-mile radius of Nancy Guthrie’s residence on East Skyline Drive in Tucson.
• The expanded date range was established to allow investigators to identify suspicious vehicles, potential surveillance activity, and movement patterns occurring before and after Nancy’s disappearance.
• Law enforcement confirmed Nancy Guthrie was officially reported missing on February 1, 2026 at 12:03 PM, when family members called 911 after discovering she was not inside her home.
• This clarification resolved public confusion caused by the portal timestamp, confirming the disappearance investigation timeline remains anchored to February 1, 2026. Source
• Note: The Axon Evidence.com public portal automatically converts timestamps to the viewer’s browser timezone. That is why different people are seeing different times like 5:00 PM versus 7:00 PM.
• 12:58 p.m. Tyler Sturges – Volare Helicopters clarified he flew over the landfill yesterday with a laser to do mapping. He insistsed it was not Guthrie-related. Said he’d be happy to help w/ Guthrie though. Source
• 2:33 p.m. Update from PCSD: Private Search Parties: Volunteer search groups have inquired about being in the area. Per the Sheriff, they were asked to please give investigators the space they need to do their work. Source
• We appreciate their concern, and we all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals. PCSD has volunteer opportunities if they wish to get involved with the department. Source
• 2:35 p.m. Update from PCSD: Private property laws apply and it is up to each individual property owner to grant permission for someone to search their property Source
• 3:00 p.m. Media Update Email: 
• Neighborhood Activity: Detectives and agents are back today in the Guthrie neighborhood canvassing as part of the investigation. No additional details will be provided. We appreciate the cooperation this morning with traffic movement while crews placed barricades on the roadway. A reminder that Camino Escalante is now a one-way, and traffic (including parked vehicles) must travel west to east.
• Gloves: Detectives and agents have collected multiple gloves from the area, and analysis is part of the investigation. Specific details about these pieces of evidence will not be shared publicly, as this remains an active investigation.
• Resources: There have been no changes to resources in this investigation. There may be fluctuations day to day based on investigative leads. Several hundred law enforcement personnel remain dedicated to this case. This will remain an active investigation until Nancy Guthrie is found or all leads are exhausted.
• DNA: All evidence from the crime scene and search warrant scenes has been submitted for analysis. Lab experts are working through that analysis. As with any biological evidence, there can be challenges separating DNA, etc. There are currently no updates regarding this process.
• Other Inquiries: Helicopter/Landfill: The private aerial activity near a landfill yesterday was not related to this investigation.
• Evidence Request Time: The link for video evidence requests has a “report filed” date of Jan. 31st at 5pm. This is a 3rd party software issue. We are requesting video evidence from 1/1/26 – 2/2/26. The reported date and time listed on the link have nothing to do with when Nancy Guthrie was reported missing the following day. Link: pimasheriff.evidence.com/axon/community…
• Private Search Parties: Volunteer search groups have inquired about being in the area. Per the Sheriff, they were asked to please give investigators the space they need to do their work. We appreciate their concern, and we all want to find Nancy, but this work is best left to professionals. PCSD has volunteer opportunities if they wish to get involved with the department. Private property laws apply. It is up to each individual property owner to grant permission for anyone to be on their property.
• Media Availability: There are currently no press briefings scheduled. We do not anticipate any Sheriff media availability next week. If that changes, we will let you know via email and our @pimasheriff X page.

February 23, 2026

• 8:13 p.m PCSD released a Statement regarding doorbell surveillance footage in the Nancy Guthrie Investigation Source
• We are aware that doorbell images released earlier in the investigation depict a suspect in different stages of attire, including with and without a backpack. There is no date or time stamp associated with these images. Therefore, any suggestion that the photographs were taken on different days is purely speculative. This remains an active and ongoing criminal investigation. As with any investigation, conclusions will be guided by verifiable evidence and established facts. Speculation, without factual support, does not advance the investigative process.

February 24, 2025

• 7:03 a.m FBI Statement: The family of missing Tucson woman Nancy Guthrie is offering a private $1 million reward for credible information that directly leads to her return. Source
• If you have firsthand knowledge of Nancy’s whereabouts or any information about where she may be located, please contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Due to high call volume, you may experience delays when submitting information.
• The FBI’s $100,000 reward also remains active. To help keep the tip line available for actionable investigative law enforcement leads, please submit only serious and detailed fact-based information – no well-wishes or case theories. The tip line is not for personal messages to the Guthrie family.
• New video from Savannah Guthrie released on Instagram account Source
• 5:56 p.m Media Daily Updates: The PCSD PIO team has been distributing updates to the media on an almost daily basis. At this time, we will limit further updates to instances when new information warrants release. Source

February 25, 2026

• 10:55 a.m Vehicles arrive at Nancy Guthrie’s home Source
• Prosecutors from Arizona and FBI agents returned to the Tucson home of 84-year-old missing woman Nancy Guthrie on February 25, 2026, for a significant, multi-agency investigation marking the 25th day of the search.
• Arizona prosecutors from the US Attorney’s office were observed walking through a crime scene.  Source
• Ongoing collaboration with Pima County Sheriff’s Department, FBI, and U.S. Attorney’s Office on the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case.
• 3:09 p.m Pima County released updated restrictions: The Pima County Department of Transportation has created a no parking zone on several streets in the Catalina Foothills Estates neighborhood surrounding the Nancy Guthrie residence as a further measure to protect public safety and relieve area residents from chaotic conditions caused by a large media and social media streamer presence in the area. The change goes into effect Feb. 26, 2026. Source
• 6:40 p.m. Pima County Attorney’s Office issued statement: Source
• “Veteran prosecutors from the Pima County Attorney’s Office continue to work with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, the FBI, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office regarding the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. County Attorney Conover trusts her veteran prosecutors to execute the work and lead on the ground, allowing them to focus on substance rather than inserting herself into the scene for optics. Ethical rules prevent us from making comments about the details of the case. Media inquiries should be directed to the FBI.”

February 26, 2026

• 1:45 p.m. Ring Footage obtained by Fox News: Ring camera video shows vehicles on a back-road route near Nancy Guthrie’s home on the morning of her suspected abduction. Source
• 4:17 p.m. US Attorney Arizona Statement: Federal prosecutors accompanied FBI Phoenix Special Agents to the Guthrie home to continue to support the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Source
• 5:40 p.m. Law enforcement is currently at the residence collecting footage.  Source
• 8:00 p.m. Pima County deputies arrested 34-year-old Antonio De Jesus Pena-Campos in front of Nancy Guthrie’s home on misdemeanor DUI charges. This arrest is not related to the Guthrie investigation. PIOs do not provide police reports. Reports must be requested through [email protected]. Case Number: 260226263

February 27, 2026

• 10:00 a.m Savannah Guthrie issued another message announcing a reward to assist in recovering Nancy Guthrie. Source
• Please bring her home. You can be anonymous. Call 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or find a way to reach out to me. NOTE: Family reward of up to $1 million will be paid only for recovery of Nancy Guthrie, consistent with FBI criteria for payment of its reward in this case: https://www.fbi.gov/wanted/kidnap/nancy-guthrie
• 11:30 a.m. Pima Sheriff’s Office Media update email: Source
• Investigation: This remains an active investigation and will continue until Nancy Guthrie is located or all leads have been exhausted. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is refocusing resources to detectives specifically assigned to this case. As leads are developed and resolved, resource allocation may fluctuate. PCSD will maintain a patrol presence in the Guthrie neighborhood.
• Video: Investigators are actively reviewing surveillance video of vehicles traveling in the Catalina Foothills area, including areas farther from the Guthrie residence. We have asked homeowners in the surrounding community to submit any relevant footage and encourage anyone who has not yet done so to please share video using the link below: pimasheriff.evidence.com/axon/community…
• Investigators continue to review hundreds of hours of surveillance footage, and we thank those who have already provided video to assist in this investigation?
• Nearby Arrest: Shortly before 8:00 p.m. on February 26, 2026, deputies arrested 34-year-old Antonio De Jesus Pena-Campos in front of Nancy Guthrie’s home on misdemeanor DUI charges. This arrest is not related to the Guthrie investigation. PIOs do not provide police reports. Reports must be requested through [email protected]. Case Number: 260226263
• Tips: As tips continue to come in to various tip lines offering a reward, we ask that you contact the agencies administering those tip lines directly for call volume information, either the FBI or 88-CRIME, which is run by the Pima County Attorney’s Office.
• Media Inquiries: Please submit all inquiries to [email protected] or call the PIO Hotline at 520-237-3740. This ensures your request is received by the entire team and responded to promptly by the on-call PIO.
• Briefings/ Interviews: Should a significant development occur in this case, a press conference will be called and media will be notified via email and our @pimasheriff X account. The Sheriff is currently not conducting any interviews.”

March 2, 2026

• 11:45 a.m Savannah Guthrie, her sister Annie, and her brother-in-law Tommaso visit the memorial outside Nancy’s house Source

March 3, 2026

• The Pima County Sheriff did an interview with NBC “I think the investigators are definitely closer” to finding Nancy Guthrie suspect.
• Says new video of car 2.5 miles away has not been identified and they are looking at “hundreds of thousands of other vehicles.”
• Says backpack may not have been purchased at Walmart. Could have been purchased secondhand.
• “We have information on this case that we think is going to lead us to solving this case, but it takes time.”

March 4, 2026

• Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced that DNA recovered from a glove discovered approximately 2.5 miles from Nancy Guthrie’s residence was traced to a restaurant employee who works in the nearby area. Source
• According to the Sheriff, investigators determined the individual was not connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance or abduction.
• The Sheriff stated the finding eliminated the glove as evidence linked to the suspect and emphasized that investigators continue to analyze additional evidence collected during the investigation.
• Law enforcement confirmed the individual whose DNA was identified had a legitimate explanation for the presence of the glove in the area.

March 5, 2026

• FBI agents are back in Nancy Guthrie’s neighborhood right now, talking to several different neighbors. Source
• Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided an update on the investigation during a media interview as the case reached approximately day 33 since Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Source
• Evidence: Sheriff Nanos stated investigators are analyzing multiple forms of evidence and emphasized the investigation is not limited to digital data. He explained that evidence being reviewed includes forensic evidence, cellphone analysis, and possible cell tower data.
• FBI: Nanos confirmed investigators continue to work with the FBI and the crime laboratory to analyze evidence connected to the case.
• Gloves: Addressing the discovery of numerous gloves in the surrounding area, Nanos said investigators recovered more than a dozen gloves during searches and prioritized analysis of those items. The sheriff stated the closest glove recovered was found approximately 2.5 miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home.
• DNA analysis was conducted on that glove and investigators later eliminated it as evidence connected to the abduction.
• Nanos said several other gloves discovered farther away, approximately six to seven miles from the residence, remain under review but have not been connected to a suspect.
• The sheriff addressed reports that DNA from one glove was traced to a local restaurant employee. He confirmed investigators followed that lead but declined to disclose how DNA was obtained during the investigation.
• Nanos stated investigators determined that glove evidence led them to businesses across the street from where it was recovered and suggested some gloves may have originated from workers in the restaurant industry.
• When asked about reports of a glove possibly containing blood discovered by a Tucson couple, Nanos said investigators were aware of the claim but said he did not know when or where that item was found and noted there had only been speculation regarding blood.
• 911 Call: Nanos also addressed a report of a 9-1-1 call involving a woman allegedly screaming from a vehicle the night Nancy disappeared. He confirmed investigators located and interviewed the individuals involved and determined it was a domestic violence incident unrelated to the Guthrie case.

March 10, 2026

• The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirms investigators still have the blue Honda CR-V belonging to Annie Guthrie and her husband Tommaso Cioni. The vehicle was impounded in February during the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Authorities have said the couple is not considered suspects, but the car had remained in custody. Source

PCSD spokesperson confirmed in an email: “We are still in the process of returning the vehicle back to the family.”

• Anyone with information into Nancy Guthrie’s case is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI

March 12, 2026

• Pima County Sheriff’s Department provided a public update on the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie during a televised interview reported by Liz Kreutz. Source
• The sheriff stated investigators now believe they likely understand the motive behind the crime, though the specific motive is not being disclosed publicly.
• The sheriff said investigators believe the incident was targeted, but emphasized they are not completely certain. The sheriff stated:

“Absolutely. We believe we know why he did this, and we believe that it was targeted. But we can’t, we’re not 100% sure of that, so it would be silly to tell people, ‘Yeah, don’t worry about it. You’re not his target.’ Don’t think for a minute that because it happened to the Guthrie family, you’re safe. No, keep your wits about you.”

• When asked whether the case may have involved a burglary that went wrong, the sheriff declined to confirm or discuss the theory.
• The sheriff stated investigators developed their working theory very early in the investigation and that their belief about what happened has remained consistent since the beginning. The sheriff said:

“I think it’s come out from day one. I think from day one we had strong beliefs about what happened, and those beliefs haven’t diminished.”

• Investigators also confirmed they have been asking witnesses about internet connectivity issues the night Nancy Guthrie disappeared.
• According to the sheriff, investigators are examining whether:
• A Wi-Fi jammer may have been used, or
• Another technical issue may have affected internet connectivity that night.

March 13, 2026

• Update From PCSD regarding evidence in the Nancy Guthrie investigation: Source
• The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to analyze various forms of evidence in the Nancy Guthrie case, including material from laboratories as well as images and videos captured by cameras.
• At this time, we will not comment on the details or status of this analysis.

March 19, 2026

• Pima County Human Resources issues Final Decision in Administrative Investigation 25X-251 Source
• Investigation conducted by Northstar Employment & Legal Solutions into complaint by Lt. Heather Lappin against Sheriff Chris Nanos. Allegations include workplace bullying and retaliation related to Lappin’s campaign for Sheriff
• Finding: Bullying: Not sustained: 
• Evidence does not support that Sheriff Nanos created a hostile or abusive workplace
• Finding: Ethics: Sustained: 
• Evidence supports that Sheriff Nanos used his authority and department resources for political gain
• Includes consideration of Lt. Lappin’s political campaign in decision-making
• Press release issued using information obtained in official capacity
• Finding: Code of Conduct: Sustained: Sheriff Nanos violated applicable conduct rules
• Confidential information in a press release regarding Lt. Lappin’s administrative leave
• Failed to maintain standards of courtesy and civility
• Administrative review concludes Sheriff Nanos’ actions were inconsistent with county policies
• Despite findings, no disciplinary action imposed
• Sheriff is an elected official
• Not subject to internal disciplinary enforcement policies
• Decision issued under authority of County Administrator Jan Lesher

March 21, 2026

• The Guthrie family released a public statement regarding the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie. Source
• The family stated they believe members of the Tucson and Southern Arizona community may hold key information that could help resolve the case.
• The statement emphasized:
• “Someone knows something.”
• The family urged the public to review personal memories and information, specifically highlighting key timeframes:
• January 11, 2026 (late evening)
• January 31, 2026
• Early morning hours of February 1, 2026
• The family asked individuals to check:
• Camera footage
• Journal entries
• Text messages
• Personal observations
• Conversations that may now seem significant in hindsight
• The statement stressed that even small details could be critical, noting:
• “No detail is too small. It may be the key.”
• The family described their ongoing emotional state, saying they cannot find peace until Nancy Guthrie is brought home.
• They stated their focus remains entirely on:
• Finding Nancy Guthrie
• Bringing her home
• The family said they are unable to fully grieve while her whereabouts remain unknown and expressed their desire to eventually honor her life once she is found.
• The statement concluded with gratitude to the public for continued support and prayers.
• The statement was signed by members of the Guthrie family, including:
• Camron and Kristine
• Annie and Tommaso
• Savannah and Michael

Marcy 23, 206

• Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos spoke with 13 News about the investigation. Source
• He said there’s been a lot of speculation that one of the images released of the suspect was from a different night other than Jan. 31, some thinking it was Jan. 11, since that’s the date investigators have been asking for.
• Nanos said without timestamps on the footage, there’s no way for them to know that for sure. “There’s nothing there, critical that we can say positively say that this individual, with or without the backpack, was at that house, on Jan. 11,” Nanos said.
• He added that the suspect removing the doorbell camera is the only way they know that the footage is from the night of the abduction.
• Nanos did reveal the real reason they’re asking for Jan. 11. “We do believe that something occurred on Jan. 11 and that’s with the FBI’s analysis of the equipment and digital stuff they’ve done,”
• Nanos stresses that even that remains speculative, but he would not share what evidence investigators have that has led to the interest in Jan. 11.
• Nanos also spoke about the Guthrie family’s plea to the community to not forget their mother’s case, and he said while some may move past it, they will not, stating very clearly that investigators do not consider it to be a cold case. “We have so much in front of us. And we believe we have good evidence in front of us,” Nanos said. “Will that dry up? Could I be wrong? Absolutely. Anything is possible, but we’re not giving up.”

March 24, 2026

• Statement from Pima County: Source
• Please be advised there is no official GoFundMe or any fundraising effort associated with the Guthrie investigation.
• Billboard displays are funded through official channels.
• Any claims suggesting otherwise are fraudulent and will be investigated accordingly.
• The public is urged to remain vigilant and not send money to anyone claiming to raise funds related to this case. Anyone with information that may assist investigators is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI or 88-CRIME.
  

March 26, 2026

• Savannah Guthrie Interview with Today released. Source
• Key Takeaways
• The call came from Savannah sister Annie. At the time of the call:
• Police had already been contacted
• Officers were already at the house
• Immediate family recognized abduction indicators very early
• Critical physical evidence cited:
• Blood at entry point
• Forced or staged access (doors open)
• Removal of surveillance (Ring camera)
• “An 84-year-old woman taken in the dead of night in her pajamas, with no shoes, without her medicine.”
• Early ransom theory originated within family, not law enforcement publicly
• Strong emotional component: Self-blame from Savannah
• Savannah repeatedly apologizes:
• “I’m so sorry, Mommy”
• “I’m so sorry to my sister and my brother and my kids…”
• “If it is me, I’m so sorry”
• Confirms: Multiple ransom communications, mostly fraudulent
• Confirms: Video evidence of suspect exists and was recovered

What the family knows, believes, or identified from the interview:

• Immediate Scene Observations (Known to Family)
• Doors were propped open
• Blood present at the front doorstep
• Ring camera removed from the home
• Nancy’s essential items left behind:
• Phone
• Purse
• Personal belongings
• Family conclusion: This was not a medical event or voluntary departure
• Nancy’s Physical Condition
• Limited mobility due to severe back pain
• Could not walk significant distances
• Family conclusion: She could not have wandered off
• Timeline Awareness: Disappearance discovered quickly after it occurred
• Police were already on scene when family began coordinating
• Hospitals were checked immediately
• Known outcome:
• No hospital admission matched Nancy
• Evidence of Possible Abduction – Scene conditions indicated:
• Forced removal or staging
• Disruption consistent with an incident during the night
• Family belief: Strong indication of abduction
• Early Theory (Internal to Family)
• Savannah’s brother immediately believed: Kidnapping for ransom
• Savannah acknowledged: Motive could be financial
• Possibly connected to her public profile
• Status: Theory, not confirmed
• Ransom Communications
• Multiple ransom notes received
• Family assessment:
• Most were not credible
• Two notes: Considered possibly real
• Family responded to them
• Video Evidence
• Ring camera footage showing a suspect exists
• Recovered with help of investigators and technology companies
• Family understanding:
• A person was captured on video at the home
• Identity and details not publicly confirmed in this interview
• Primary caregivers
• Her sister (Annie)
• Her brother-in-law (Tommy)
• What Savannah said about their role: “No one took better care of my mom than my sister and brother-in-law”
• They were with Nancy daily
• They made it possible for her to:
• Stay in her home
• Remain in a familiar, safe environment
• What the Family Does NOT Know
• Who took Nancy
• Exact sequence of events inside the home
• Whether ransom motive is legitimate
• Whether Nancy is alive or deceased
• Whether the crime targeted Nancy specifically or opportunistically
• Emotional and Psychological Understanding. Family recognizes:
• This was intentional and criminal, not accidental
• They believe: “Something very wrong” happened immediately
• Savannah expresses: Personal guilt as a possible factor But confirms: No verified motive exists
• Faith-Based Belief (Not Evidentiary). Savannah believes spiritually: Nancy is “with God”
• Important distinction:
• This is not presented as factual evidence
• Family still states clearly: They need answers
• The family’s position, based on what they observed and experienced:
• This was not a medical event or disappearance by choice
• Physical evidence strongly suggests abduction occurred inside or at the home
• There is confirmed surveillance evidence of a suspect
• Some ransom communication may be real, but remains unverified
• The case remains unresolved, with major unknowns

April 5, 2026

• Savannah Guthrie – Easter Message Source
• Good morning everybody. Happy Easter.
• And Easter is happy. It is flowers and pastels and baby bunnies. It is sunshine and joy and hope. It is rebirth and second chances and new life and fresh starts.
• It is the most important day of the year for all of us who believe. Even more than Christ’s birth, more than his death, his resurrection, his second birth into a permanent life. That is what is most crucial to us. His revival and resurrection mean the same for us.
• We celebrate today the promise of a new life that never ends in death.
• But standing here today, I have to tell you, there are moments in which that promise seems irretrievably far away. When life itself seems far harder than death.
• These moments of deep disappointment with God, the feeling of utter abandonment. For most of us, there will come a time in our life when these feelings hold sway.
• In our tradition, we are taught to take comfort in the fact that our friend Jesus, in his short life, experienced every single emotion that we humans can feel. That his taking on the form of humanity made him not a distant observer to our pain, but a hands-on experiencer of it.
• Recently though, in my own season of trial, I have wondered, I have questioned whether Jesus really ever experienced this particular wound that I feel, this grievous and uniquely cruel injury of not knowing, of uncertainty and confusion and answers withheld.
• In those darkest moments, I have thought, bitterly and perhaps irreverently, that I have stumbled upon a feeling that Jesus did not know. After all, don’t the gospel stories recount Jesus informing his disciples of his destiny, that he had been sent to die, to ultimately be raised up? They didn’t get it, but he did. He at least knew his fate.
• And yes, it grieved him deeply, to the point of shedding tears of blood in the garden of Gethsemane. But still, he knew the ending. He knew the plan. There would be suffering, but then resurrection.
• And so I thought he never suffered this excruciating not knowing.
• It isn’t wrong to think such thoughts, to challenge our God with questions. God does not ask us to be stoics, to carry pain with some detached calm, or to rely on shallow sayings about strength.
• Our questions to God, our wrestling with God, this is his opportunity. For through our authenticity and vulnerability comes a portal of revelation, the imparting of truth and wisdom.
• And so it went for me. This realization came as I stared at yet another luminous desert sunset while my spirit felt completely dark.
• Suddenly, I remembered the grave. I remembered three days in the grave.
• No one talks much about that.
• We focus mostly on Easter. Of course we do. We cut to the happy ending and the joy of Sunday morning. And yes, we observe the Friday before, the agony of crucifixion.
• But after Jesus died, after he breathed his last, what did he actually know?
• On the cross, he cried out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” That is the anguished cry of someone who does not know the answers.
• Where did his soul and spirit go in those days in between? And what was he thinking?
• Did he think his time in the grave would be a day or two, or a thousand years? Did his agony feel indefinite, the way uncertain pain can feel eternal?
• Perhaps he did know this feeling.
• After all, as humans living on this earth now, we are all suspended in that same moment of uncertainty.
• Not three days, but thousands of years between his cross and our resurrection with him.
• Our faith gives us a spiritual conviction that we will be reborn, that God will redeem this pain, that every tear will be wiped away, that our Easter is coming.
• But we live in the meantime. The meantime of feeling unsure, lost, abandoned, disappointed, enraged, forgotten.
• Our comfort is that our God has felt those feelings from a human perspective. That he has compassion on us, and that he promises, if not immediate answers, his presence.
• He promises closeness to the brokenhearted.
• Somehow, miraculously, his loving and gentle presence makes the meantime less heavy.
• Perhaps this is too dark a message to share on Easter morning.
• But I have long believed that we miss out on fully celebrating resurrection if we do not acknowledge the feelings of loss, pain, and yes, death.
• It is the darkness that makes this morning’s light so magnificent. So blindingly beautiful. It is brighter because it is so desperately needed.
• So I close my eyes this morning and feel the sunshine.
• I see a vision of the day when heaven and earth become one, on earth as it is in heaven.
• When we celebrate today, this is what we celebrate.
• And I celebrate too.
• I still believe.
• And so I say with conviction, happy Easter.

April 6, 2026 (TMZ report, unverified)

• TMZ reported that there may have been a sighting of Nancy Guthrie in Mexico. Source
• The report claims:
• Received a new ransom note
• A specific location in Mexico was identified
• The sighting was described as a potential match to Guthrie

The person who sent the notes clearly senses the FBI’s disbelief … has that same sense, because the first letter says … “It’s unbelievable that millions have been wasted and yet here I am willing to deliver them on a silver platter since the 11th of february for a bitcoin but I am disregarded as a scam … they are free and the case is frozen but the ego’s remain hot when it comes to me. Arrogance at it’s finest.”I just want whats fair and to live peacefully with enough to start my life again quietly with out having to join a witness protection program.”  Source

• Official Status: As of this update, there has been no confirmation from:
• Pima County Sheriff’s Department
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• No public statements indicate:
• Verification of the reported sighting
• Active cross-border investigation tied to this claim
• Any change in the case classification
• Assessment of TMZ Report.
• The reported Mexico sighting is currently: Unverified
• Not corroborated by official sources
• Based on media reporting only
• No supporting evidence has been publicly released, including:
• Surveillance footage
• Border crossing data
• Verified witness statements
• Status: Case status remains unchanged
• No confirmed sightings since disappearance
• No official confirmation Guthrie is alive or located

April 16, 2026

• 4:53 p.m Pima County Sheriff’s Department Confirms Ongoing FBI and Multi-Lab DNA Analysis  Source
• The Pima County Sheriff’s Department publicly confirmed it has been working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation since the beginning of the Nancy Guthrie investigation.
• The department stated this cooperation is not new and has been ongoing from the initial stages of the case.
• The Sheriff’s Department confirmed that forensic evidence is being analyzed across multiple laboratories, including:
• FBI laboratory facilities
• A private forensic laboratory located in Florida
• Additional partner laboratories across the United States
• The department stated:
• “PCSD has worked with the FBI since the beginning of the Guthrie investigation. This is not new information. The private lab we utilize in Florida continues to share information with the FBI lab & other partner labs across the country. DNA analysis remains ongoing.”
• Authorities confirmed that DNA analysis is still in progress and has not yet reached final conclusions.

May 5, 2026

• Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos releases public statement responding to recent comments made by FBI Director Kash Patel regarding the Nancy Guthrie investigation. Source
• Statement says:
• Sheriff Nanos responded to the scene the night of the incident.
• Immediate local leadership and oversight were provided.
• An FBI Task Force member was notified and present at the scene alongside sheriff’s personnel.
• FBI notification came from both the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the Guthrie family.
• Statement further asserts:
• FBI coordination began “without delay.”
• Evidence-processing decisions were made on scene based on operational needs.
• The Pima County Sheriff’s Department laboratory and FBI Laboratory in Quantico have worked “in close partnership from the outset.”
• Collaboration on evidence analysis remains ongoing.
• Sheriff Nanos concludes statement by saying authorities remain committed to:
• A thorough investigation
• Coordinated investigative efforts
• Fact-based investigative procedures
• Continued cooperation with federal partners

May 7, 2026

• Sgt. Aaron Cross appeared on Brian Entin Investigates and stated that, from the beginning, “family members believed Nancy Guthrie may have voluntarily walked away”. Source
• The Catalina Foothills Association publishes a neighborhood message regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.  Source
• CFA President Will Pew states:
• Neighbors close to Nancy Guthrie’s home have been heavily affected by the ongoing investigation and public attention.
• Large numbers of people from outside the area had traveled to Nancy’s street and surrounding roads.
• Residents reported behavior by non-residents that was described as disrespectful to neighbors and the surrounding area.
• The statement asks members of the public:
• Not to continue leaving flowers, notes, and other items at Nancy Guthrie’s residence due to:
• Javelinas, Packrat, Wind, Increasing temperatures
• Instead, supporters are encouraged to donate to World Vision, described in the newsletter as an organization Nancy Guthrie loved.
• The CFA also urges people:
• To respect the privacy of neighbors and the Guthrie family
• Not to continue posting videos or content to social media or YouTube regarding the neighborhood and surrounding area.
• The newsletter states:
• The CFA Board spent “many hours” petitioning county officials regarding neighborhood concerns tied to the investigation and crowds gathering near the area.
• The organization further announces plans to explore:
• Additional neighborhood security initiatives
• Community safety efforts in response to the incident.

We realize that neighbors in close proximity to Nancy’s house have been particularly affected, and left feeling on edge, by this horrific event and as a result of the large numbers of people from outside our area who descended on Nancy’s street and surrounding roads. We have received numerous reports of behavior from non-residents that is disrespectful of neighbors and the surrounding area. Although leaving flowers, missives, and other items at Nancy’s house has been fueled by good intentions, due to javelinas, packrats, wind, and increasing temperatures, we encourage well-wishers to make a donation to World Vision (www.worldvision.org), an organization that Nancy loves, rather than continuing to leave items at Nancy’s house. Likewise, we encourage people to respect the privacy of neighbors and the Guthrie Family and not continue to post to social media or YouTube or to encourage such posts by engaging with or watching them.

May 9, 2026

• The Pima County Deputy’s Organization issued a correction statement, calling the information a “miscommunication” and clarifying that family members on scene initially believed Nancy may have been voluntarily taken to a hospital. Source

May 11, 2026

• Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided a public update regarding the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Source | Source | Source
• Sheriff Nanos stated the investigation remains active and is being conducted in coordination with:
• The FBI
• Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS)
• Multiple forensic laboratories across the country.
• According to Nanos:
• Investigators continue working daily with federal and state partners.
• Extensive digital and physical evidence has been collected and cataloged.
• DNA evidence recovered from inside Nancy Guthrie’s home remains under active forensic analysis.
• Sheriff Nanos stated laboratories are working to:
• Separate biological samples
• Identify multiple DNA profiles recovered from the residence
• Develop additional forensic leads.
• He described the forensic process as: Slow and Detailed
• Necessary to ensure the correct suspect is identified and properly prosecuted.
• Nanos said the primary focus of the investigation has shifted:
• Away from processing the residence itself
• Toward forensic laboratory analysis and evidence review.
• According to the Sheriff:
• Local laboratories. FBI laboratories and Additional specialized labs across the United States are all participating in evidence analysis.
• Sheriff Nanos rejected suggestions that the case has stalled, stating:
• The case is not “cold.”
• Investigative work has continued daily for more than 100 days.
• He also confirmed investigators are intentionally withholding certain information from the public in order to protect the integrity of the case.
• According to Nanos: Some investigative details are not being publicly disclosed because release of that information could compromise the investigation or future prosecution.
• Authorities are preserving unreleased information to help:
• Evaluate tips
• Verify statements
• Protect forensic findings
• Maintain prosecutorial integrity.
• Regarding public assistance:
• Authorities have received tens of thousands of tips.
• While tip volume has slowed, investigators continue encouraging the public to come forward with information.
• Sheriff Nanos specifically emphasized:
• Tips from residents living in the immediate neighborhood surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s home remain especially important to investigators.
• He concluded by reaffirming that the Sheriff’s Department’s primary mission is solving crimes and stated investigators remain fully committed to solving Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

May 12, 2026

• 12:40 PM: Public access to the Hearing Room begins at 130 W. Congress Street, 1st Floor, Tucson, AZ. Source
• 1:00 PM: The Study Session officially commences.
• Key Agenda Items
• Executive Sessions (Sheriff Chris Nanos Review):
• Discussion with Outside Counsel regarding the written report submitted by Sheriff Chris Nanos on Apr 21, 2026.
• Legal advice regarding potential Board actions related to the Sheriff’s conduct and the verification of information provided in his report.

May 29, 2026

• Pima County Sheriff’s Department Provides Update on DNA Evidence, Security Video Analysis, and Family Status Source
• The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that forensic analysis of security video from Nancy Guthrie’s residence remains ongoing.
• Investigators have not yet completed their review of all available surveillance footage and continue to analyze digital evidence recovered during the investigation.
• A department spokesperson stated that detectives are still working through the forensic examination process and have not reached final conclusions regarding the video evidence.
• The department also confirmed that DNA analysis remains active and ongoing.
• Investigators continue to review biological evidence collected during the investigation, and no final conclusions have been announced.
• Officials stated that neither the DNA evidence nor the security video evidence has reached a dead end.
• The update follows the Sheriff’s Department’s earlier confirmation that it has worked with the FBI since the beginning of the investigation.
• The department previously stated that forensic evidence is being analyzed through multiple laboratories, including the FBI laboratory system, a private laboratory in Florida, and other partner laboratories across the country.
• The Pima County Sheriff’s Department previously stated:
• “PCSD has worked with the FBI since the beginning of the Guthrie investigation. This is not new information. The private lab we utilize in Florida continues to share information with the FBI lab & other partner labs across the country. DNA analysis remains ongoing.”
• When asked whether anyone had been ruled out as part of the investigation, the department initially referred inquiries back to Sheriff Chris Nanos’ prior public statements. Sheriff Chris Nanos issued a public statement directly addressing speculation surrounding members of the Guthrie family.
• Sheriff Nanos stated:
• “To be clear…the Guthrie family, to include all siblings and spouses, has been cleared as possible suspects in this case.”
• He further stated:
• “The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case.”
• Sheriff Nanos condemned speculation directed toward family members and emphasized that investigators do not consider members of the Guthrie family to be responsible for Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
• Sheriff Nanos stated:
• “To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel. The Guthrie family are victims plain and simple.”

June 5, 2026

• Patty Morin, the mother of murder victim Rachel Morin, shared a message of encouragement for the Guthrie family as the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance entered its fourth month.
• Morin recalled that approximately eight months into the investigation of her daughter’s murder, public speculation had begun labeling the case a “cold case” and media outlets were expressing interest in documentaries about the unsolved crime.
• During that period, Morin said the lead detective privately reassured her, telling her: “I understand how you’re feeling, but just have hope. Don’t let your emotions get carried away with you.”
• Morin said the advice helped her cope with the uncertainty surrounding the investigation and that she continued repeating the detective’s words to herself when answers were not immediately available.
• Two months later, authorities arrested Victor Martinez-Hernandez in connection with Rachel Morin’s murder.
• Referring to the Nancy Guthrie investigation, Morin noted that while little information has been publicly disclosed, that does not necessarily mean investigators lack evidence or leads.
• Morin stated: “Four months and they have nothing — they have nothing that they’ve shared with us. It doesn’t mean that they don’t have anything, especially if they’re working with multiple agencies.”
• Her comments came as investigators continued working the Nancy Guthrie case alongside the FBI, Arizona Department of Public Safety, and multiple forensic laboratories across the country. Source

June 8, 2026

• Savannah Guthrie Discusses Returning to Today Following Her Mother’s Disappearance Source
• During a National Best Friends Day segment on NBC’s Today, Savannah Guthrie spoke publicly about returning to work while her mother, Nancy Guthrie, remains missing.
• Guthrie said returning to the show had been emotionally difficult but described the program and her colleagues as a source of support and stability.
• She stated that she thinks about her mother’s disappearance constantly and has not been able to separate herself from the ongoing investigation.
• Guthrie said: “I’m happy to be back. It’s like this two hours of my day, it’s not that I’m not thinking about it, because I am. But it’s something to do. It brings me a lot of joy to be with everybody.”
• She explained that her coworkers and friends have provided a sense of comfort during the crisis and credited their support with helping her return to work.
• Addressing public questions about how she has continued working during the investigation, Guthrie stated:
• “I know maybe people wonder, like, what’s going on, how is she able to do that job? Is she not thinking about it? Did she forget? No, no, never.”
• Guthrie emphasized that her family continues to seek answers regarding her mother’s disappearance and renewed a public appeal for information. She stated:
• “We still need everybody’s prayers. We still wish someone would call and say what they know.”
• Guthrie described her daily struggle to balance grief and normalcy while waiting for answers. She stated:
• “I cry every morning on the way to work, and I cry every morning on the way home.”
• Reflecting on her faith and the emotional toll of the investigation, Guthrie said she is taking the situation “step by step” and trying to persevere despite the uncertainty surrounding her mother’s disappearance.
• Guthrie concluded by expressing gratitude for the support she has received from friends, coworkers, and the public while continuing to hope for answers in the case.
• Investigative Significance
• Guthrie publicly reaffirmed that the family remains actively seeking information about Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
• She renewed the family’s appeal for anyone with knowledge of the case to come forward.
• The comments came as the Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues its investigation and forensic analysis of evidence related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

June 11, 2026

• Sheriff Chris Nanos said the case is still active and that PCSD, FBI, Arizona DPS, and multiple labs are working on digital and biological evidence. He said DNA testing is slow because labs have to separate different DNA found inside the home and determine who it belongs to. He also said some information is being withheld to protect the case. Source
• Arrest outside Nancy Guthrie home: Alexander Zabel Jr. was reportedly arrested outside Nancy Guthrie’s home after complaints about livestreaming and behavior in the neighborhood. This appears to be related to activity around the neighborhood, not an arrest in Nancy’s disappearance. Source
• On May 26, deputies responded after multiple callers reported Alex Zabel sitting in the roadway, recording, possibly holding alcohol, and allegedly throwing cactus at a vehicle.
• While Deputy Duarte spoke with Zabel, another man arrived and identified himself as the property manager.
• Deputies verified through Sergeant Stivers, who contacted Savannah Guthrie, that the property manager was authorized to be at the property.  Source

June 23, 2026

• Savannah Guthrie made an emotional appeal on the Today Show Source

I love you guys and I love this place,” she said. “This is unusual and unprecedented to say the least, to be sitting here. I don’t have any comment on this story, and I’m not involved in our coverage, but I can’t pretend I’m not here.

“And so since I am, I want to just take the opportunity to ask people, to really to beg people to come forward,” she continued. “Somebody knows something, and this is a new story today that is on your radar, but this is the life that my sister lives, that I live, that my brother lives, that our extended families live, that our children live, every day. And we are in agony. We cannot be at peace.”

June 29, 2026

• Crime Junkie reporter Brianna Whitney discussed the original ransom notes in the Nancy Guthrie investigation during an interview with Ashley Banfield. Source
• Whitney stated she had been aware of the wording and language used in both original notes since the first week of February 2026, when she was reporting in Arizona.
• Whitney confirmed the first ransom note included a specific detail about Nancy Guthrie’s Apple Watch with a white band being on the floor of her bedroom.
• Whitney said that detail appeared to support the possibility that the note contained information only the abductor or abductors would know.
• Whitney confirmed the second note included the following language:
• “We never intended to hurt her in all of this.”
• “She perished shortly after she was taken.” 
• “She was buried with nature.”
• “Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome.”
• “We are truly sorry.”
• Whitney stated the second note did not include any request for additional money in exchange for Nancy Guthrie’s remains.
• Whitney also stated the second note did not include any offer to negotiate the return of Nancy’s body.
• Whitney confirmed the first note said Nancy would be returned to Tucson after payment, but it did not provide a specific exchange location or detailed drop-off instructions.

July 1, 2026

• FBI Phoenix issues statement on ransom notes: Source
• FBI Phoenix issued a statement confirming that the FBI and its task force partners had received several ransom notes during the investigation. The statement said some of the notes had been deemed extortion attempts without legitimacy, while other ransom demands may potentially be legitimate and were still being investigated as such.
• FBI Phoenix also stated that the case continued to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case. The FBI said it had provided, and would continue to provide, all possible assistance in the investigation, but local authorities remained the lead agency.

Investigative Status

• Security video analysis remains ongoing.
• DNA testing remains ongoing.
• FBI laboratory coordination remains active.
• Additional partner laboratories continue to assist with forensic analysis.
• Detectives continue to review digital, biological, and forensic evidence.
• All Guthrie family members, including siblings and spouses, have been cleared as possible suspects.
• Investigators continue to treat the Guthrie family as victims in the case.
• The investigation remains active and ongoing.

February 3, 2026

• First Ransom Note: The first ransom note was emailed to TMZ, KVOA, and KGUN. The message opened:
• “Hello Savannah. We have your mother Nancy.” 
• The sender demanded $4 million in Bitcoin for Nancy Guthrie’s safe return. 
• The note warned that if payment was not received by Thursday, the ransom would increase to $6 million.
• The sender stated Nancy was alive, safe but frightened, and would be returned to Tucson after payment.
• The communication included a non-public investigative detail, that Nancy Guthrie’s Apple Watch with a white band was lying on the floor of her bedroom.
• The first and second ransom notes used the same Bitcoin wallet address.

February 4, 2026

• Guthrie Family Responds: Savannah Guthrie and her family publicly appealed to the sender.
• “We are ready to talk.”
• “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her.”
• “We want to hear from you, and we are ready to listen. Please reach out to us.”

February 6, 2026

• Second Ransom Note: A second ransom note was sent to KGUN. The sender used the same Bitcoin wallet address as the first communication. According to reporter Brianna Whitney, the note stated:
• “We never intended to hurt her in all of this.”
• “She perished shortly after she was taken.”
• “She was buried with nature.”
• “Nothing you could have done could have changed the outcome.”
• “We are truly sorry.”
• The second note contained no demand for additional money. It made no offer to return Nancy Guthrie’s remains. According to Whitney, the communication appeared to end any effort to negotiate a ransom.

February 7, 2026

• Family Statement: Following receipt of the second note, the Guthrie family released another public message.
• “We received your message and we understand.”
• “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.”
• “This is the only way we will have peace.”
• “This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.”

February 24, 2026

• $1 Million Reward Announcement: The Guthrie family announced a $1 million reward for information. Savannah said:
• “We still believe in a miracle.”
• She urged anyone with information to contact investigators immediately and said the family would never stop searching for Nancy.

March 26-27, 2026

• First Television Interview: In her first interview since Nancy’s disappearance, Savannah told Hoda Kotb:
• “We’re in agony.”
• She discussed the family’s continued hope, the uncertainty surrounding the ransom notes, and the emotional toll of living without answers.

May 1, 2026,

• CBS News report marks three months since Nancy Guthrie’s abduction: Source
• Reporter Briana Whitney posted that it had been three months since Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her Tucson, Arizona home. Whitney stated that she had spoken with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI about where the case stood, noting that the status of the investigation did not feel much different than it had three months earlier.
• Whitney also shared that CBS News featured the case on The Daily Report with Lindsey Reiser, identifying her appearance as a Crime Junkie reporter discussing the investigation.

June 22, 2026

• Briana Whitney reports exclusive details about second Nancy Guthrie ransom note Source
• Reporter Briana Whitney posted that, after media reports surfaced about information contained in the second Nancy Guthrie ransom note, she was sharing additional details and context after personally reading it during her reporting on the case.
• Whitney stated that the second ransom note included confirmation of Nancy Guthrie’s death shortly after she was abducted. The video attached to the post was labeled “Breaking News, Details in 2nd Nancy Guthrie Ransom Note.”

June 23, 2026

• Savannah Guthrie Discusses the Ransom Notes: During her return to the Today show, Savannah Guthrie publicly discussed the original ransom communications for the first time. Speaking about the first two ransom notes, she stated
• “I believe the two notes that we received, that we responded to, I tend to believe those are real.”
• Guthrie explained that the communications were evaluated in coordination with the FBI and that the family chose to respond to those two notes because they believed they could be authentic.

June 24, 2026

• Additional Details Revealed: CBS News with crimejunkie podcast reported the first ransom note contained the previously undisclosed detail about Nancy Guthrie’s Apple Watch with a white band being on the floor of her bedroom.
• The disclosure provided additional context for why investigators considered the first ransom note potentially credible.

June 26, 2026:

• Sheriff Chris Nanos appeared on The Buckmaster Show with Bill Buckmaster and Dylan Smith. During the interview, he discussed: Source
• The FBI’s role in reviewing the ransom notes.
• That the FBI had identified two notes warranting investigation.
• The numerous other ransom communications received.
• His belief that the newly reported TMZ communication was likely another false or fake ransom communication.
• The arrests of three content creators for conduct in the neighborhood.
• The ongoing status of the Nancy Guthrie investigation.

June 29, 2026

• Brianna Whitney Confirms Contents of Both Notes During an interview with Ashley Banfield, Crime Junkie reporter Brianna Whitney confirmed she had reviewed both original ransom notes while reporting in Arizona. Whitney confirmed:
• The first note included the Apple Watch detail.
• The first note promised Nancy would be returned to Tucson after payment but did not specify an exchange location.
• The second note contained an apology.
• The second note did not request additional ransom.
• The second note did not offer to negotiate the return of Nancy Guthrie’s body

July 1, 2026

• FBI Phoenix issues statement on ransom notes: Source
• FBI Phoenix issued a statement confirming that the FBI and its task force partners had received several ransom notes during the investigation. The statement said some of the notes had been deemed extortion attempts without legitimacy, while other ransom demands may potentially be legitimate and were still being investigated as such.
• FBI Phoenix also stated that the case continued to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case. The FBI said it had provided, and would continue to provide, all possible assistance in the investigation, but local authorities remained the lead agency.

The FBI is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance.

The FBl’s Phoenix Field Office and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department in Arizona are investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, last seen at her residence in the Catalina Foothills neighborhood of Tucson, Arizona, on the evening of January 31, 2026.

She is considered to be a vulnerable adult who has difficulty walking, has a pacemaker, and needs daily medication for a heart condition.

This video show an armed individual appearing to have tampered with the camera at Nancy Guthrie’s front door the morning of her disappearance. The FBI seeks information that will lead to the identity of this individual.

In part one of Savannah Guthrie’s first interview since the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, she opens up about the moment she found out that her mom went missing and what it was like making the trip to Tucson. She also talks about whether she believed the ransom notes sent to media outlets were real and addresses speculation that her family was involved. “There are no words. I don’t understand. No one took better care of my mom than my sister and brother-in-law. And no one protected my mom more than my brother.”

In part two of Savannah Guthrie’s first interview since the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, she opens up about the difficult decision to leave Arizona as the investigation is ongoing.

She also shares the lessons she has learned from her mom after she lost her dad when she was a teenager, saying, “She taught me to be strong, but she taught me to be true. And my faith is strong and resolute.”

In part two of Savannah Guthrie’s first interview since the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, she opens up about the difficult decision to leave Arizona as the investigation is ongoing.

She also shares the lessons she has learned from her mom after she lost her dad when she was a teenager, saying, “She taught me to be strong, but she taught me to be true. And my faith is strong and resolute.”

Nancy Guthrie Abduction Investigation

Master Investigation Summary and Confirmed Findings

Joint Investigation: Pima County Sheriff’s Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation
Victim: Nancy Long Guthrie, Age 84
Case Classification: Criminal Abduction / Kidnapping
Status: Active Investigation

CASE CLASSIFICATION AND INVESTIGATIVE POSTURE

Official case classification

• Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is being treated as a criminal investigation.
• Sheriff Nanos stated investigators do not believe Nancy left voluntarily.
• Sheriff Nanos stated investigators believe Nancy was taken from her home against her will.
• FBI confirmed joint investigative responsibility with Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
• FBI deployed agents, analysts, and specialized forensic and intelligence personnel.
• FBI Critical Incident Response Group and Cellular Analysis Survey Team deployed.

Investigative strategy and priorities

• Sheriff described investigation as large, complex, and involving extensive forensic and digital analysis.
• FBI confirmed digital forensic analysis, communications analysis, and financial and digital footprint reconstruction underway.
• Sheriff confirmed investigators are processing physical evidence, digital evidence, and witness information simultaneously.
• Sheriff confirmed investigators have not identified a suspect.
• Sheriff confirmed nobody has been ruled out.
• FBI confirmed investigators evaluating both targeted and random abduction scenarios.

CRIME SCENE PROCESSING AND PHYSICAL EVIDENCE

Residence processing

• Nancy Guthrie’s residence was processed as a crime scene.
• Biological evidence, fingerprints, and trace evidence were collected.
• Additional follow-up searches were conducted after initial processing.

Blood and biological evidence

• Blood was located outside near the front door area, described as porch and front stoop.
• DNA testing confirmed blood matched Nancy Guthrie.
• Additional biological samples were submitted for testing.
• Additional DNA results remained pending at time of briefings.

Door status, footprints, bedding, blood, struggle

• On a report that the front door was “wide open,” he says he does not know if it is accurate, and explains that when deputies arrived the family had already been there searching for about an hour, which could affect the scene.
• On footprints, missing bedding, blood, and whether there was a “scene of a struggle,” he repeatedly declines to answer specifics.
• He does say patrol units saw things that were concerning, and that concerns included both outside and inside the home.

Cell phone, vehicle, mobility

• He states they have her cell phone in law enforcement possession.
• He says she is capable of driving and mentally sharp, and that her limitations are mobility and walking.
• He says he is not sure about all other personal items being left behind, and cannot confirm purse, keys, wallet, etc. He says he would need to ask his team.

DNA testing

• He states they believe they have DNA evidence from the home, and that it has been or will be submitted for rapid DNA testing.
• He says the rapid DNA machine locally was out of service, so it had to go to Phoenix.
• He declines to say where in the home the DNA was found.

Vehicle evidence

• Nancy Guthrie’s vehicle was seized and processed under search warrant authority.
• Vehicle processing conducted as part of forensic investigation.

Scene indicators

• Sheriff confirmed suspicious indicators consistent with a criminal event were present.
• Sheriff declined to disclose specific scene details to protect investigative integrity.
• Sheriff declined to confirm forced entry.
• Sheriff declined to confirm struggle or theft.
• How he labels the crime: When asked if it is fair to call it kidnapping, he says abduction and kidnapping apply, and calls it semantics, while emphasizing “taken from your home against your will.”

Additional Confirmed Details

• Nancy Guthrie lived alone and had periodic house staff
• Family members are cooperating with investigators
• Savannah Guthrie is present locally and in contact with law enforcement
• Federal partners, including the FBI, offered and provided assistance
• Law enforcement stated there was no immediate known threat to the public

Process and why search continues

• He explains they continue search-and-rescue processes even if they strongly believe she could not have walked away, because they do not want to miss something and need to be thorough.
• He says he had a “gut” concern based on what he was briefed about the scene, while acknowledging gut instincts can be wrong.

Law enforcement statement

• Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated investigators believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home
• Sheriff Nanos said investigators do not believe she left on foot or willingly
• He stated the belief is that the abduction occurred at or from the residence, potentially while she was sleeping
• Crime determination
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed the disappearance is being treated as a crime
• The residence is being handled as a crime scene
• Blood found at the scene
• Nancy Guthrie’s Pacemaker, last synced with her Apple devices around 2 a.m. Sunday

Evidence at the Home

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed there were specific concerning indicators at the residence.  Source
• He declined to describe those details, stating:
• Only the intruder would know certain things.
• Revealing them could compromise the investigation.
• Home security cameras exist, and investigators are working to retrieve and analyze footage.

Medical Urgency

• Sheriff Nanos emphasized that Nancy Guthrie’s medications are critical.   Source
• According to family, going without her medication could be fatal.
• At the time of the interview, she had been missing for more than 24 hours.

DIGITAL EVIDENCE AND FORENSIC ANALYSIS

Cell phone forensic analysis

• Nancy Guthrie’s cellphone recovered and placed under forensic analysis.
• FBI conducted digital forensic downloads and analysis.
• Cell tower and communications analysis conducted.

Digital ecosystem analysis

• FBI confirmed review of:
• Cellular provider records
• Bank records
• Social media activity
• Digital service provider records

Pacemaker telemetry evidence

• Pacemaker app recorded disconnect from paired phone at approximately 2:28 a.m.
• Investigators incorporated pacemaker telemetry into investigative timeline reconstruction.

Garage and electronic timeline reconstruction

• Garage door system logs confirmed door opened at 9:48 p.m.
• Garage door closed at 9:50 p.m.
• Electronic system activity used to establish timeline reconstruction.

CAMERA AND VIDEO EVIDENCE

Home surveillance cameras

• Cameras present at Nancy Guthrie’s residence.
• Doorbell camera was removed and remains missing.
• Technology company reported recovery attempts unsuccessful.

Doorbell camera

• Sheriff stated the doorbell camera was removed.
• Sheriff stated the camera has not been located.

Video recovery

• Sheriff stated the technology company reported they have exhausted methods to recover video.

2:12 a.m. detection from the same camera that disconnected at 1:47 a.m.

• Sheriff stated investigators do not know.
• Sheriff stated multiple cameras were present at the home.

Video evidence released by FBI

• FBI released video showing armed masked individual near residence.
• Individual tampered with security camera.
• FBI described subject as male wearing face covering, gloves, dark clothing, and backpack.

Subject Description

• One individual is visible near the front door area.    Source
• The individual is wearing a full face covering consistent with a mask or balaclava.
• The individual is wearing gloves.
• The individual appears to be wearing a jacket or hoodie and long pants.
• Shoulder straps or a backpack with reflective elements are visible.
• The individual is holding an unidentified object in one hand.

Neighborhood surveillance investigation

• License plate reader data collected and analyzed.
• Neighborhood video canvassing conducted.
• Additional surveillance requests submitted.

SEARCH OPERATIONS AND FIELD RESPONSE

Initial search deployment

• Search and rescue initiated immediately following report.
• Resources deployed included:
• Ground teams
• K9 units
• Volunteer personnel
• Drones
• Helicopters
• Fixed-wing aircraft
• Infrared and thermal imaging

Search posture transition

• Search transitioned from search-and-rescue to criminal investigation posture.

Hospital and pharmacy investigative checks

• Deputies conducted repeated hospital checks.
• Pharmacies contacted regarding medication access.

Witness interviews and movement reconstruction

• Uber driver identified and interviewed.
• Investigators conducted extensive witness interviews.

SWAT OPERATIONS, SEARCH WARRANTS, AND DETENTIONS

SWAT search warrant operations

Rio Rico search warrant and detention

• FBI and PCSD executed search warrant at Rio Rico residence and vehicle.
• Individual detained based on investigative leads.
• Individual cooperated with investigators.
• Individual released without charges.

SWAT operation near Nancy Guthrie residence

• February 13, 2026 SWAT and investigative units executed search warrant at residence approximately two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home.
• More than two dozen law enforcement vehicles deployed.
• Roads temporarily closed during operation.
• Multiple individuals removed from residence.
• One individual detained and questioned.
• Individual released without charges.

Vehicle seizure during SWAT operation

• Range Rover seized as part of forensic investigation.
• Vehicle transported for forensic examination.

Official investigative outcome of SWAT operations

• Sheriff confirmed no arrest made in connection with Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
• Sheriff confirmed Nancy Guthrie was not located during search warrant execution.
• Sheriff confirmed SWAT operations were based on investigative leads.

RANSOM COMMUNICATIONS AND FEDERAL CRIMINAL CASE

Ransom letter investigation

• FBI confirmed ransom letter sent to media outlets.
• Letter referenced Apple Watch and flood light.
• Letter demanded ransom payment in Bitcoin.
• FBI confirmed no proof of life received.

Federal hoax ransom arrest

• Department of Justice charged Derrick Callella in connection with hoax ransom communication.
• Complaint states ransom email demanded $10 million in Bitcoin.
• Complaint states sender used VPN concealment.
• FBI confirmed hoax sender not linked to abduction.

Message to the Abductor

• The sheriff delivered a direct plea:   Source
• “Just call us. Let her go.”
• He stated the family’s message is no questions asked, only that she be returned safely.

Imposter Texts (California):

• An IP address was successfully traced to the residence of Derrick Callella in Hawthorne (near Los Angeles), California. The FBI used this IP, along with a virtual phone number and a linked Gmail account, to arrest him for sending fake ransom demands on February 4, 2026.

Initial Ransom Note (Masked): 

• The IP address associated with the original ransom note sent to KOLD-TV and other media outlets was forwarded to law enforcement. However, investigators found it originated from a secure server designed to mask the sender’s true location.

“Authentication” Message:

• On February 6, a second message was received by KOLD from a different IP address than the first. Despite being a different address, this one also appeared to use the same type of “cloaking software” or secure server to hide the sender’s identity.

Varying Virtual Locations:

• Analysts have noted that the “professional” notes may be using technology that makes the IP address appear in widely different locations, such as Russia, Florida, or Paris, to confuse tracking efforts

INTERAGENCY COORDINATION

Federal investigative support

• FBI deployed agents, forensic specialists, and analysts.
• FBI deployed crisis negotiators.

Regional law enforcement support

• Pima Regional Critical Incident Team activated.
• Multiple law enforcement agencies provided support.

PUBLIC SAFETY AND MEDICAL URGENCY

Medical urgency

• Nancy Guthrie requires daily medication.
• Sheriff confirmed lack of medication could be fatal.

Public safety assessment

• Sheriff confirmed no ongoing threat to public.
• FBI confirmed no indication Nancy transported outside country.
• Is there evidence Nancy is outside the country?
• FBI stated there is no indication of that.
• FBI stated nothing is ruled out.

INVESTIGATIVE STATUS

Confirmed facts

• Nancy Guthrie disappeared under suspicious criminal circumstances.
• Blood matching Nancy recovered outside residence.
• Masked individual captured on video tampering with camera.
• Digital forensic evidence actively under analysis.
• Multiple SWAT search warrants executed.
• No suspect identified.

Suspects

• Sheriff stated nobody has been eliminated.
• Sheriff stated investigators are looking at everyone connected to the timeline and environment.

Summary

• The FBI is examining multiple cell phones for potential evidence related to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
• Devices are being reviewed for data such as communications, location information, and digital activity.
• This review is being conducted as part of the broader investigative effort.
• Law enforcement returned to Nancy Guthrie’s home after previously clearing the scene.
  
• The return search lasted about two hours and appeared highly targeted.
• Investigators focused heavily on the garage area and removed evidence bags.
• A K9 unit searched the yard and surrounding brush terrain.
• The family released a public video asking for Nancy to be returned safely.   Source
• The video emphasized Nancy’s age, fragile health, and need for medication.
• The family acknowledged reports of ransom communication.
• The family stated they are willing to communicate but need proof of life.
• The video messaging suggests possible coordination with law enforcement.
• Federal agents were seen ‪carrying a Cellebrite cases‬ and assisting with video setup equipment.   Source
• ICAC presence may relate to digital evidence or communication tracing.
• Blood was reportedly found outside near the front door area.
  
• Investigators sometimes return to a scene if new evidence or statements emerge.
• A short return search usually suggests investigators were looking for something specific.
• Federal involvement usually means parallel work on digital, financial, and forensic evidence.
• Public ransom information remains limited and not fully verified publicly.
• Blood located on porch or front stoop area near front door.
• DNA from porch blood rushed for testing.
• DNA result returns matching Nancy.
• Additional items submitted for lab testing, results pending.
• House processed for biological evidence.
• No additional DNA results returned at time of press conference.
• Doorbell camera reported removed.
• Camera not in law enforcement possession.
• Camera not located.
• Vehicle at residence processed as part of search warrant and scene processing.
• Uber driver located and interviewed after investigators learned Nancy used Uber to travel to family residence for dinner.
• Pharmacies contacted regarding Nancy’s medications.
• Law enforcement conducted repeated hospital checks.
• Deputies physically checked hospitals and logs.
• Officials state Nancy requires daily medication.
• Officials state missing medication for multiple days could be fatal.
• Vehicle towed from Nancy Guthrie’s home for processing

Investigative Assessment, per Sheriff Statements

• Sheriff Chris Nanos states there is no credible information indicating the disappearance was a targeted incident at this time.
• This reflects the current investigative assessment.
• The sheriff does not state that targeting has been ruled out, only that no credible information supports it so far.

Suspects and Interviews

• Sheriff Nanos states that no suspects have been identified.
• Detectives are conducting interviews with anyone who may have had contact with Nancy Guthrie.
• This includes individuals who interacted with her personally, professionally, or socially.
• The purpose of these interviews is to establish context, routines, and any anomalies.

Law Enforcement Public Appeal

• Authorities requested the public:
• Review neighborhood surveillance cameras
• Report suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity
• Submit photos or video, even if seemingly minor
• Tips may be submitted via:
• 911
• Anonymous crime tip lines

Unresolved elements

• Identity of abductor unknown.
• Method of entry unknown.
• Ransom letter authenticity undetermined 

Investigators are actively collecting commercial surveillance footage across Tucson to identify and track vehicles potentially connected to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Detectives have requested approximately three weeks of continuous 4K CCTV footage from businesses located along major roadways, including Oracle Road and River Road. Unlike residential cameras, commercial systems record continuously and allow investigators to reconstruct precise vehicle timelines, approach routes, and escape paths. This type of surveillance canvassing is a standard forensic method used in major abduction investigations to identify suspect vehicle movement before and after the incident.

The owner of US Alarm Brokers in Tucson stated the following:

• Detectives from the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and Tucson Police Department have been actively requesting commercial surveillance footage from businesses.
• Law enforcement personnel have physically visited commercial clients and requested video extraction.
• Requests involved large volumes of data, specifically:
• Up to three weeks of surveillance footage.
• Systems recording in 4K resolution.
• Systems storing data locally on DVR or NVR units with storage capacity ranging from approximately 6 terabytes to 10 terabytes.
• He stated investigators were specifically requesting:
• Video from commercial camera systems located along major roadways.
• Video from locations near Oracle Road and River Road in Tucson.
• He stated detectives were sending multiple personnel at a time, typically:
• Two to three detectives per visit.
• This confirms a systematic commercial surveillance canvass.
• Investigative Focus on Vehicle Tracking
  The alarm company owner stated investigators appeared to be searching for:
• Specific vehicles.
• Footage across multiple days or weeks to reconstruct vehicle movement patterns.
• He stated investigators were collecting footage from:
• Businesses located on major thoroughfares.
• Locations including dealerships and commercial offices.
• He stated commercial camera systems used in those areas have capabilities including:
• Continuous recording, unlike consumer cameras that record only motion events.
• Object classification, allowing filtering between:
• Vehicles
• People
• Motion events
• This allows investigators to reconstruct vehicle travel timelines.
  This type of footage collection is consistent with vehicle trajectory analysis and timeline reconstruction methods used in abduction investigations.

Scope and Duration of Surveillance Requests

• The owner stated investigators requested approximately three weeks of footage.
• This timeframe is operationally significant.
• This aligns with previously mentioned investigative interest in early January activity.

Collecting footage from before and after a suspected event date is standard investigative procedure to identify:

• Pre-incident surveillance or reconnaissance.
• Suspect vehicle approach patterns.
• Post-incident escape routes.

Commercial CCTV Technical Capabilities Confirmed

Commercial surveillance systems differ significantly from residential Ring or Nest cameras.
The owner confirmed commercial systems typically:

• Record continuously, 24 hours per day.
• Store video locally on dedicated DVR or NVR storage systems.
• Retain footage for approximately 30 days depending on storage capacity.
• Record in higher resolution, often 4K.

This means commercial cameras can provide uninterrupted timelines of roadway activity.
Unlike residential systems, commercial systems do not depend on:

• Cloud subscriptions
• Motion detection triggers
• They provide complete historical footage coverage.

Law Enforcement Resource Deployment
The owner described unusually high law enforcement involvement, stating:

• Detectives were actively canvassing commercial camera systems.
• Multiple detectives were assigned to footage collection.
• The level of investigative activity was higher than typical cases.

This aligns with Sheriff Chris Nanos’ confirmed statements that:

• The FBI is assisting the investigation.
• Specialized forensic and intelligence resources have been deployed.

This level of footage canvassing is consistent with major abduction investigations.

Increased Security Demand in Neighborhood
The alarm company owner stated demand for security systems had significantly increased since Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.

He reported:

• Customer inquiries had approximately doubled.
• Many homeowners specifically cited the Guthrie case as the reason.
• Increased demand was particularly focused on camera systems.

Confirmed Limitations of Residential Camera Systems

The owner confirmed technical limitations relevant to Nancy Guthrie’s Ring camera:

• Battery-powered Ring cameras rely on motion detection, not continuous recording.
• If subscription services are inactive, cloud access to footage may be limited.
• Battery cameras do not provide continuous video timelines.

This explains why investigators rely heavily on commercial surveillance footage.

Commercial systems provide:

• Continuous video coverage
• Higher retention periods
• More reliable forensic evidence reconstruction

Statements That Are Speculation or Not Confirmed Evidence

The following statements are opinions or rumors and not confirmed investigative facts:

The alarm company owner speculated:

• The suspect was likely someone familiar with the victim.
• Investigators may have been looking for a silver Range Rover.
• He explicitly stated these were rumors or personal opinions, not confirmed information provided by law enforcement.

Investigative Significance Summary

Confirmed investigative actions based on this call:

• Detectives are actively collecting commercial surveillance footage.
• Focus areas include major roadways such as Oracle Road and River Road.
• Investigators are collecting footage covering approximately three weeks.
• Commercial surveillance systems provide continuous video coverage critical for reconstructing timelines.
• The FBI and local law enforcement are conducting coordinated surveillance evidence collection.

This confirms investigators are conducting a structured vehicle-tracking timeline reconstruction using commercial CCTV.

Key Forensic Interpretation

Commercial CCTV canvassing is typically used to determine:

• Vehicle arrival and departure times
• Suspect travel routes
• Pre-incident surveillance patterns
• Post-incident escape routes
• Identification of suspect vehicles not captured by residential cameras

This method was used in numerous major abduction cases, including:

• Delphi murders
• Idaho student murders
• Gilgo Beach suspect vehicle tracking

This investigative method is standard in forensic timeline reconstruction.

February 1, 2026
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos Initial Press Briefing Source

Initial Missing Person Report

• The Pima County Sheriff’s Department received a 911 call reporting Nancy Guthrie missing at approximately noon earlier that day.
• The missing person report was made by family members.
• Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home by family members at approximately 9:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. the previous night.
• She was confirmed to be inside the residence when last seen.
• Nancy Guthrie was 84 years old at the time of her disappearance.
• Sheriff Nanos stated she was reported by family to be of sound mind with no cognitive impairment such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
• He stated her limitations were physical due to age and health conditions, not cognitive.

February 1, 2026

• Sheriff: But we’re looking for a missing person. Nancy Guthrie, I think we sent out a media release to all of you. It came to our attention, we got a call, a 911 call that Miss Guthrie was reported missing from her home. That call came in around noon earlier today.
• Our teams came out, our search and rescue team being supported by our volunteers, search and rescue association, from PR, from Border Patrol. They gave us their search and rescue dogs. We’ve pretty much just thrown everything at this as we can.
• Miss Guthrie is 84 years old and is not of good physical health, and so naturally we have some great concerns. The scene at the house also has some concerns for us as well, and so that’s why we’re doing all we can to try to locate her.
• We’ve contacted and remain in contact with all of our local area hospitals and our medical transport teams.
• So far that’s proven to lead nowhere. We will continue, as we are right now, with our survey of our air assets.
• We use drones and our airplane or helicopter.
• We’ll be at this all night processing the house, and then tomorrow morning we’ll start again with our search and rescue mission and try to regroup and see what else we can do. Maybe we’ve missed something, but I don’t need to tell you, this is very concerning to us.
• You don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this, but it’s very concerning what we’re learning from the house. And so we’ll just continue detectives there.
• Our homicide team is out right now looking at the scene as well.
• Reporter: I think we’re all wondering, can you confirm that this is Savannah’s mom?
• Sheriff: This is Mrs. Guthrie.
• Reporter: You can’t tell us anything about what the house, you know…
• Sheriff: What I would tell you is we get these calls quite often.
• We see some people and we would do a pretty good job of searching the areas and alerting the media with our media releases, but this one stood out because of what was described to us at the scene, what we found locating just in looking at the scene. So without getting into too many details, I have to allow my team to do their investigation and during that process things…
• Reporter: About it being homicide detectives, is that standard?
• Sheriff: You know, it’s not typically. Our homicide comes out when we have a homicide, a body. This one was of great concern.
• Reporter: Is it a homicide?
• Sheriff: I hope it’s not. I hope we find her safe.
• But we can’t ignore what’s in front of us and we need to take all the precautions we can and deal with what the evidence is.
• Reporter: You said physical factors like physical things, but does she have dementia or Alzheimer’s?
• Sheriff: No, what’s being reported by family is she has no cognitive issues at all.
• She’s of very good sound mind, just some physical 84 years old, especially now it’s as cold as it is,
• She has some physical ailments that limit her ability.
• Reporter: There were some neighbors also looking around for Nancy. Is that a help to you?
• Sheriff: Well, absolutely. In the immediate area, we ourselves with our dog teams and our search and rescue teams, we’d ask them to stay out of that area, but we certainly understand their concerns, too. And if they happen, of course, to find anybody or see something, anything, call 911.
• Reporter: How cold did it get? She was missing overnight, I take it?
• Sheriff: Well, she was last seen at about 9:30, 9:45 last night.
• Reporter: Do you know how cold it got last night? Is that a concern?
• Sheriff: You guys are going to know that better than I.
• Reporter: Is that a concern, though?
• Sheriff: Well, it’s cool right now. 84 years old. I’m cold.
• Reporter: When she was last seen, family had dropped her off at home. Is that correct?
• Sheriff: She was last seen by family at 9:45, at 9:30.
• Reporter: And did they see her in the home?
• Sheriff: Yes.
• Reporter: And who called in the missing report?
• Sheriff: The family.
• Reporter: Can you say…
• Sheriff: I don’t have that name in front of me.
• Reporter: And is Savannah Guthrie in Tucson or on her way?
• Sheriff: She is not here. No.
• Reporter: What are some things like if someone sees something, what should people be watching out for in this case?
• Sheriff: If maybe you ran into her, maybe she wandered off and you ran into her.
• If you’ve seen her or anybody like her, call us.
• Even being of good sound mind, you could have an event that happened that causes you to lose some of your senses. But I just would tell you that look, if you’ve seen this woman since 9:30 last night, at any time, give us a call.
• Reporter: And you said that you’ve checked with hospitals and what else?
• Sheriff: All of the medical transport teams in the area and hospitals, and nobody’s reported to us that they have her.
• Reporter: Does it being as dark as it is here make it more difficult to find a missing person?
• Sheriff: Well, our night search teams use our infrared systems and a heat-sensing system. In some cases, the body can distribute heat and our FLIRs or our heat sensors can find that body. But there’s limitations on everything. In the daytime our dogs seem to work pretty well, but if it gets too hot they don’t. Nighttime, like anything, it too has its limitations.
• Reporter: This is the second time that I personally know that an elderly person has gone missing in the Foothills in the past year. Is there a pattern at all?
• Sheriff: We have missing persons and search and rescue missions daily here in Tucson.
• It can be from a young 19, 20-year-old hiker who just gets lost in the desert or lost in the mountains. It could be an elderly person who’s wandered off from a care home.
• Tucson has a lot of people here who enjoy the outdoors. It’s just beautiful. And so you get the hikers and those kinds of calls. And then, of course, we also have our elderly.
• It’s a great place to retire. A lot of the great weather we have today is a beautiful day the outdoors, even to the elderly, it’s just… 
• So our search and rescue teams, our search and rescue volunteers we could not do this job without them. It is tremendous work for them and every day they are out here helping us.
• Reporter: Can you tell us what else the detectives are doing besides being here at the scene processing evidence? Are they looking at acquaintances, friends, family?
• Sheriff: I mean we’re talking to anybody and everybody. That’s just what you do. We’ve got to hear from people and talk to them.
• When did they last see this person?
• What do they know?
• Do they have any ideas for us?
• Is there somewhere else we can check? 
• The only thing I can tell you at the scene is it’s concerning to us, enough of a concern that we called our criminal investigation team as well.
• Reporter: Any aerial surveillance?
• Sheriff: You don’t see it now, but we had our survey one aircraft, we have our drone systems, our volunteers’ drone systems that have some great technology attached to them. Earlier today our chopper was out here, our helicopter. So we’re throwing as much ground and air assets as we can at this.
• Reporter: Anything else that we didn’t touch on that you think is enough?
• Sheriff: No, I just, like I say, I know that this is going to get some attention, but I just hope that we can find her, that somebody might know something, that they say something. Let us know what you know. The call is our 911 center or 88-CRIME. Right now we’re just at the very initial stages of this.
• The search mission started early today. We’ll continue that. We’re not giving up that, but it does change its platform because of the nightfall.
• The criminal investigation part is ongoing and it will continue ongoing.
• We had our search and rescue, our PR, our search and rescue association volunteers, literally hundreds of people out here searching the area for those dogs and still no signs.
• We’ve checked with all the local area hospitals and continue to check teams, no results.
• I think what’s concerning is what’s at the scene at the home is of concern to us. So much so, we’ve decided we’re going to call out our homicide team. And so they’re here. They’ll process the home, do what they can there.
• And again, as we speak now, our plane was up just a minute ago.
• Those things are happening. But that’ll transition to a daylight search again tomorrow. We’ll continue that, we’re not giving up that.
• We’re asking the community to help us. If you’ve seen Miss Guthrie, give us a call. Call our 911 or 88-CRIME.
• We’re just kind of working it from two angles.
• The criminal investigation side will continue at the house tonight, looking through, processing that and see what we can learn from that. And we’ll just keep going.
• Reporter: Does the search for her continue tonight?
• Sheriff: Absolutely. Yeah, we’ll continue that.
• At some point in time they’ve got to transition and settle down, but they’ve been out all day since noon.
• Search teams: Nightfall, it’s a different type of search, so we change teams and transition then.
• I’m going to guess that here in a while that night team will move on and we’ll come back at it again tomorrow morning. They reassess it and look at where could they have missed.
• Reporter: And just because the homicide team’s involved doesn’t mean this is a homicide?
• Sheriff: No. What we’re saying is there’s some things there that are concerning to us and we just don’t want to miss anything.
• Search and rescue’s mission is we want to find you safe and sound and help you, and that still continues.
• But we have an obligation when you look at things in this world of ours, you look at that and you go, there’s something wrong here. Is there something missing? We can’t just dismiss that. We need to stay on it.
• Reporter: Anything else?
• Sheriff: No, thank you so much.

Summary:

Immediate Law Enforcement and Search Response

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed that law enforcement responded immediately after receiving the missing person report.
• Search and rescue teams were deployed to the area surrounding her home.
• The search involved multiple agencies and resources, including:
• Pima County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue teams
• Volunteer Search and Rescue Association personnel
• U.S. Border Patrol Search and Rescue teams
• Border Patrol search dogs
• Hundreds of personnel were involved in the search effort.
• Authorities contacted all local hospitals and medical transport services to determine whether Nancy Guthrie had been admitted or transported.
• No hospitals or medical transport services reported having Nancy Guthrie.

Deployment of Air and Technical Search Assets

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed aerial and technical search resources were deployed, including:
• Law enforcement aircraft
• Helicopter support
• Law enforcement drone systems
• Volunteer drone systems equipped with advanced technology
• Air assets were used to survey the surrounding area.
• Night search teams utilized infrared and heat-sensing technology (FLIR systems) to attempt to detect human body heat.
• Sheriff Nanos acknowledged limitations with infrared and thermal detection depending on environmental conditions and time.

Scene Conditions at Nancy Guthrie’s Home Raised Immediate Concern

• Sheriff Nanos stated that the condition of the scene at Nancy Guthrie’s home raised significant concern among investigators.
• He stated this case “stood out” compared to routine missing person cases based on what investigators observed at the scene.
• He stated: “we don’t typically get the sheriff out at a scene like this, but it’s very concerning what we’re learning from the house.”
• He did not disclose specific evidence publicly but emphasized the scene contained concerning elements.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “This one stood out because of what was described to us at the scene, what we found locating just in looking at the scene.”
• He further stated: “It’s concerning to us that it’s enough of a concern that we called our criminal investigation team as well.”

Homicide and Criminal Investigation Teams Activated Immediately

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed that the Sheriff’s Department Homicide Unit responded to the scene the same day Nancy Guthrie was reported missing.
• He stated it was unusual for homicide investigators to respond to a missing person case without a body being located.
• He explained homicide detectives were called due to concerns arising from evidence observed at the residence.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “It’s not typically our homicide comes out when we have a homicide, a body. This one was of great concern.”
• He emphasized that calling homicide detectives did not confirm a homicide had occurred but reflected concern about potential criminal activity.
• Detectives began processing the home as a potential crime scene.

Evidence Processing and Criminal Investigation Actions

• Detectives began processing the residence for evidence immediately.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed detectives were:
• Processing the home
• Examining physical evidence
• Conducting forensic evaluation of the scene
• Criminal investigators began interviewing individuals connected to Nancy Guthrie, including:
• Family members
• Friends
• Acquaintances
• Anyone who may have seen her or had relevant information
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “We’re talking to anybody and everybody. That’s what you do.”

Search Operations Continued Day and Night

• Search operations continued through the night using night-capable search teams.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed the search involved continuous deployment of personnel and aerial assets.
• Teams planned to reassess and continue searching the following day.
• He emphasized that both search and criminal investigative efforts were occurring simultaneously.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “We’re just kind of working it from two angles. The criminal investigation side will continue at the house tonight… and we’ll continue the search.”

Environmental and Safety Concerns

• Sheriff Nanos stated environmental conditions posed additional risk due to Nancy Guthrie’s age and physical condition.
• Cold temperatures were a concern due to her vulnerability.
• He emphasized the urgency of locating her safely due to her physical health limitations.

Community Assistance Requested

• Sheriff Nanos asked the public to report any sightings of Nancy Guthrie.
• He instructed anyone with information to contact 911 or Crime Stoppers.
• Authorities emphasized even minor information could be critical.

Key Official Conclusions from February 2, 2026 Briefing

• Nancy Guthrie was confirmed missing after being last seen inside her home the previous night.
• The scene inside the home immediately raised concerns for investigators.
• Homicide detectives were called the same day she was reported missing.
• The home was processed as part of a criminal investigation.
• A large-scale search involving ground teams, dogs, aircraft, and drones was conducted.
• Hospitals and medical transport services were checked and yielded no results.
• Authorities pursued both search and criminal investigative tracks simultaneously from the first day.

February 2, 2026 11:00 a.m. EST 
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos Press Briefing Source

• Sheriff confirms investigators processed the Guthrie residence as a crime scene.
• Law enforcement states they believe a crime occurred and Nancy Guthrie did not leave the home voluntarily.
• Sheriff states Nancy Guthrie:
• Is 84 years old
• Has physical medical limitations
• Requires daily medication that could be fatal to miss beyond approximately 24 hours
• Sheriff issues public plea for tips, urging anyone with information to call 911 or submit anonymous tips via 88-CRIME.
• Technology and Evidence Collection Phase
• Investigation moving into heavy reliance on technology and digital evidence, including:
• License plate reader systems
• Community camera networks
• Home digital devices and stored data
• Sheriff states investigators will download and analyze all available digital data from:
• The residence
• External technology sources
• Community surveillance systems
• Inter-agency Support
• FBI actively assisting.
• Regional law enforcement agencies across the Tucson area offering support.
• Border Patrol BORSTAR teams deployed K9 units during initial search phase.
• Search Operations Status
• Initial large-scale search and rescue operations conducted using:
• Ground teams
• Volunteer search personnel
• K9 units
• Drones
• Helicopters
• Fixed-wing aircraft
• Infrared and thermal imaging systems
• Search and Rescue teams temporarily stood down for rest while investigation shifts to criminal investigation focus.
• Crime Scene Indicators (Limited Disclosure)
• Sheriff states:
• Nancy did not leave on her own
• Scene contained suspicious indicators
• Details withheld to protect investigative integrity
• Family and Risk to Public
• Family described as fully cooperative with investigators.
• Sheriff states no current indication of ongoing threat to the public.
• Sheriff emphasizes Nancy Guthrie is mentally sharp and does not suffer from dementia.
• Digital and Device Evidence
• Law enforcement confirms possession of Nancy Guthrie’s cellphone.
• Phone and associated data under active forensic review.
• Home surveillance cameras confirmed present and under review.
• Timeline Clarifications (Preliminary)
• Nancy last reportedly seen evening prior around approximately 9:45 p.m.
• Family discovered she was missing after church contact next morning.
• Family searched residence before contacting law enforcement.
• 911 call placed after family search efforts.
• Investigative Status
• Case formally treated as criminal investigation.
• Door-to-door canvassing underway by criminal investigators.
• Large multi-unit sheriff deployment working case overnight and into briefing period.

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February 2, 2026
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos  Source
Investigators Believe Nancy Guthrie Was Taken Against Her Will 
Investigators Conclude Nancy Guthrie Could Not Have Left Home on Her Own

• Sheriff Chris Nanos stated investigators determined Nancy Guthrie was physically incapable of leaving the home independently.
• He based this conclusion on family statements and investigative findings.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “From what the families told us and everything we’ve learned, she could not walk out of that home 50 yards.”
• He confirmed investigators believe she did not voluntarily leave the residence.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “We believe she was taken out of the home against her will. And that’s how this investigation is moving.”

Investigation Pursued as Both Search and Criminal Investigation

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed the investigation immediately proceeded along two parallel tracks:
• Search and rescue mission
• Criminal investigation
• He emphasized investigators could not ignore evidence observed inside the home.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “We believe strongly that just based on what we see at the home, something happened here.”
• He further stated: “We’re pursuing it from both sides. We’re never going to give up on the search and rescue aspect, but we can’t ignore what’s in front of us when it comes to the evidence we see.”

Homicide Detectives Called Immediately Due to Concerning Evidence

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed homicide detectives were called to the scene immediately.
• He stated this decision was highly unusual in a missing person case without a body.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “Usually we don’t send our homicide team out on these unless there’s a body found.”
• He further stated: “When I got the advisory that this 84-year-old lady was missing from a residence, there was something else there that didn’t click.”
• He stated investigators clearly believed something was wrong based on evidence at the home.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “I clearly knew something’s not right here.”

Evidence at the Home Considered Critical and Protected

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed specific evidence inside the home caused investigators to immediately pursue a criminal investigation.
• He refused to disclose details publicly in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “There’s things at that home that only the intruder would know.”
• This statement confirmed investigators believed an intruder entered the residence.

Nancy Guthrie Required Medication Critical to Survival

• Sheriff Nanos stated Nancy Guthrie required medication that was essential for her survival.
• He confirmed family members informed investigators that lack of medication could quickly become fatal.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “If she’s alive right now, her meds are vital.”
• He further stated: “If she doesn’t have those meds, it can become fatal.”

Large-Scale Search and Rescue Operation Deployed

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed extensive search operations were launched immediately.
• Search assets included:
• Ground search teams
• Hundreds of volunteers
• Search and rescue personnel
• Helicopters
• Airplanes
• Drone systems
• Aerial surveillance assets
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “We threw everything at this, all our air assets, those men and women on the ground, our volunteers, hundreds of people out looking for her.”

Digital and Neighborhood Evidence Collection Initiated Immediately

• Detectives began collecting digital and physical evidence immediately.
• Investigators canvassed the neighborhood for surveillance footage.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed detectives were:
• Checking Ring cameras and other surveillance cameras
• Downloading digital video evidence
• Interviewing neighbors
• Conducting neighborhood canvasses
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “Detectives have been to go out, look through the neighborhood for any kind of Ring cameras, talk to people.”
• He confirmed Nancy Guthrie’s home itself contained cameras investigators attempted to retrieve footage from.

Investigators Narrowing Timeline and Gathering Digital Evidence

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators were working to narrow the timeline of disappearance.
• Detectives focused on digital evidence retrieval and witness interviews.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “The home itself had some cameras. We’re hoping to pull that down and get some imagery.”
• He confirmed investigators were actively downloading and analyzing digital evidence.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “It’s just a lot of legwork and a lot of download of information, digital information that we hope will lead us to what happened.”

Case Considered Extremely Unusual and Suspicious

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed the case was highly unusual for the Tucson area.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “You don’t see someone at 84 years of age go home, go to bed, and in the middle of the night just disappear from her own home.”
• He further stated: “I can’t think of the last time where in the middle of the night, in someone’s bed, an 84-year-old woman disappeared on us.”

Community Tips Received in Large Volume

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators received hundreds of tips from the public.
• He credited media coverage and public awareness for generating investigative leads.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “We’re getting tips by the hundreds.”

Law Enforcement Operating as Multi-Agency Investigation

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed extensive law enforcement coordination across agencies.
• He stated federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies were assisting.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “There’s 11 different agencies in this valley.”
• He confirmed strong cooperation among agencies.

FBI Initiated Contact with Sheriff Chris Nanos

• Sheriff Chris Nanos stated that the Federal Bureau of Investigation contacted him directly after Nancy Guthrie was reported missing.
• This indicates the FBI proactively reached out to offer assistance based on the circumstances of the case.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “The FBI reached out to me… What can we do for you?”
• He explained that federal, state, and local agencies contacted him offering investigative assistance and resources.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “Federal, state, and local… all of them call. What can we do for you?”
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed that multiple law enforcement agencies coordinated resources and assistance.
• He emphasized the investigation became a cooperative effort involving federal, state, and local law enforcement.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “We all possess different skill sets and different pieces of equipment that we share in resources.”
• This included investigative expertise, forensic capabilities, and technical resources.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed ongoing cooperation with federal investigators following their initial contact.

FBI Assistance Offered Immediately Due to Suspicious Circumstances

• The FBI’s proactive contact reflected the seriousness and suspicious nature of the disappearance.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed that evidence at the home immediately raised concerns of possible criminal activity.
• Because of those concerns, federal agencies offered their investigative support.

Official Investigative Position as Stated by Sheriff Chris Nanos

• Based on Sheriff Nanos’ official statements, investigators concluded:
• Nancy Guthrie could not physically leave the home on her own.
• Investigators believe she was taken against her will.
• Evidence inside the home indicated criminal activity.
• Homicide detectives were immediately assigned due to suspicious evidence.
• Evidence at the scene suggested an intruder entered the home.
• Nancy Guthrie required critical medication to survive.
• The investigation was treated as both a missing person case and criminal abduction investigation from the beginning.
• Large-scale search, forensic, digital, and criminal investigative operations were launched immediately.

—————————

February 2, 2026
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos  Source
Investigators Believe Nancy Guthrie Was Taken Against Her Will 
From what the family has told us and everything we have learned, she could not walk out of that home 50 yards

• Reporter: We know Nancy has limited mobility. Is it physically possible for her to have left the home on her own, or are you operating entirely on the premise that she was moved by someone else or abducted?
• Sheriff Chris Nanos From what the family has told us and everything we have learned, she could not walk out of that home 50 yards. No. We believe she was taken out of the home against her will, and that is how this investigation is moving.
• Reporter: Are you proceeding forward saying now this is clearly an abduction case?
• Sheriff Chris Nanos: We do not want to rule out anything. We get hundreds of these calls every day. Our search and rescue teams are out there every day. The mountains draw hikers, and we have a large retirement community. Sometimes people walk away. That is not the case here. We believe strongly, based on what we see at the home, that something happened there.
• We are pursuing this from both sides. We are not giving up on search and rescue, but we cannot ignore the evidence in front of us. We are also taking a criminal investigative approach.
• Reporter: What would you say to someone who may be holding Nancy Guthrie right now?
• Sheriff Chris Nanos: This is not just my message, it is the community’s message and the family’s message. Just call us. Let her go.
• If she is alive right now, her medications are vital. I cannot stress that enough. It has been more than 24 hours, and the family tells us if she does not have those medications, it can become fatal.
• This is devastating for our community. Savannah is family to us. Her entire family is devastated.
• This does not happen here. You do not see an 84 year old woman go to bed and disappear from her own home in the middle of the night.
• Reporter: Can you explain the search operation and how you determined she had not simply wandered off?
• Sheriff Chris Nanos: When the call came in, something did not feel right. I cannot get into all of the details, but I knew immediately that something was not right. We launched two parallel efforts.
• First, search and rescue. We deployed helicopters, airplanes, drones, and ground teams. Hundreds of people were searching.
• Second, a criminal investigation. We brought in homicide detectives to evaluate the evidence at the home that raised concern.
• We are still hoping to find her alive and safe, but we cannot ignore the evidence and must pursue both avenues.
• Reporter:  This is a high profile case. How many tips have you received?
• Sheriff Chris Nanos: We are receiving tips by the hundreds. The media has helped tremendously in getting the word out. We are asking the public not to dismiss anything. If something looks suspicious, call us. Let us determine whether it needs further investigation.
• Reporter:  The family dropped Nancy off around 9:45 p.m. Saturday, and concern was raised when she missed church. Have investigators narrowed that timeline?
• Sheriff Chris Nanos: We are actively working on that. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood, looking for camera footage, and speaking with residents.
• The home had cameras, and we are working to retrieve that footage.
• Right now, the focus is on collecting digital evidence and conducting thorough legwork.
• Reporter:  You said the scene was concerning. What led you to involve homicide so quickly?
• Sheriff Chris Nanos: I cannot share those details. We have an obligation to protect the integrity of the investigation.
• There are elements of the scene that only the person responsible would know, and we need to preserve that information.
• Reporter: Do you have any reason to believe this was a targeted incident?
• Sheriff Chris Nanos:  We would never rule that out. We are working closely with the FBI and multiple law enforcement agencies. This is a coordinated effort with federal, state, and local partners sharing resources and expertise.
• Reporter: Is this an unusual case for your community?
• Sheriff Chris Nanos:  Yes, absolutely. We do have missing persons cases, hikers, and individuals who walk away. But an 84 year old woman disappearing from her bed in the middle of the night is extremely unusual. This is a challenge for us, and we want her back.
• Reporter:  What is your message to Savannah and the Guthrie family?
• Sheriff Chris Nanos: We are not going to give up. We will solve this. I have a team that will solve this.

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February 3, 2026
Press Briefing Source
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos
FBI Tucson Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jon Edwards

Sheriff Chris Nanos

• Sheriff Nanos opened by acknowledging intense media attention and stated he was still adjusting to the level of national scrutiny.
• He emphasized investigators must balance public communication with protecting investigative integrity.
• Nanos stated the primary mission was locating Nancy Guthrie alive and protecting her life.
• He credited public attention with generating investigative leads.
• He stated investigators were actively processing evidence and following leads consistent with a major criminal investigation.
• He announced media briefings would likely occur every few days unless major developments occurred.
• He stated investigators needed to prioritize field work over extended media engagement.

FBI Statement – Jon Edwards

• Edwards confirmed FBI involvement and support structure:
• Primary Support Functions
• Digital forensic downloads of cellular devices
• Cell tower and communications analysis
• Interview assistance
• Analytical investigative support
• Lead prioritization support
• Public Request
• Asked residents to report anything seen:
• January 31 (Saturday night)
• February 1 (Sunday morning)
• Emphasized every tip was being aggressively investigated.
• Provided FBI tip line contact.

Investigative Status – Crime Type and Unknowns

• Law enforcement stated:
• Investigators were evaluating both possibilities:
• Targeted abduction
• Random abduction
• No confirmed suspect count:
• Could be one offender
• Could be multiple offenders
• Public Condition Status
• When asked if Nancy was believed to still be alive:
• Sheriff responded investigators hoped she was alive.
• Public Safety Position
• Sheriff stated no evidence of broader ongoing public kidnapping threat.
• He clarified Tucson experiences normal crime patterns but investigators had no pattern of elderly kidnapping activity.
• Investigators maintained belief Nancy was taken from her home against her will.
• Evidence Processing Description (General Only)
• Sheriff described general crime scene processing steps without case specifics:
• Evidence Categories Collected
• DNA
• Fingerprints
• Camera imagery
• Physical trace evidence
• Evidence Handling
• Submitted to:
• Crime labs
• Technology companies
• Digital forensic analysis teams
• Lab Status
• Some DNA results returned
• No DNA results yet identifying a suspect
• Timeline Window (Public Version Maintained)
• Sheriff refused to narrow abduction time window to avoid missing tips.
• Public Timeline Maintained:
• ~9:30–9:45 PM Saturday Nancy dropped off at home by family
• ~11:00 AM Sunday Church contact noticed absence
• Family discovered she was missing
• Digital Evidence and Technology Issues
• Camera Evidence
• Front home camera missing
• Investigators did not know if removal was intentional
• Surveillance Footage Status
• Footage requests submitted to companies
• Investigators did not yet have full footage returns
• Sheriff described delays as part of legal / technical evidence acquisition process
• Ransom / External Communications
• When directly asked if ransom demands existed, Sheriff repeated:
• Investigators were following all leads
• Did not confirm or deny ransom communications
• Lead Handling
• Dedicated lead review teams
• FBI assisting in evaluating and prioritizing leads
• Crime Scene Status
• Residence Processing
• Residence fully processed
• Scene returned to family control
• Investigators could return if new evidence needed
• Physical Scene Details
• Sheriff declined to disclose:
• Forced entry details
• Blood presence or absence
• Stolen property
• Financial activity
• He reiterated:
• Scene contained concerning indicators
• Indicators consistent with criminal event
• Medical and Urgency Factors
• Investigators confirmed:
• Nancy requires daily medication
• Medication reportedly left at residence
• Time considered critical
• Search and Geographic Scope
• Search Strategy
• Investigators expanding outward from last known location
• No confirmation she remained in immediate area
• Regional and multi-agency support available
• Agency Collaboration
• Confirmed Partners
• FBI
• CBP (tracking K9 support during search phase)
• Potential Federal Support If Needed
• DEA
• ATF
• Additional federal or state agencies
• Prior Threat / Safety History
• Sheriff stated:
• No known prior police reports indicating threats to Nancy
• Investigators reviewed background risk factors
• Community Investigation
• Investigators:
• Conducting extensive interviews
• Reviewing neighborhood surveillance
• Collecting digital evidence from multiple sources
• Closing Messaging
• Sheriff stated:
• Hundreds of leads already received
• Leads generated largely through media coverage and public response
• Next planned briefing expected approximately Feb 5 unless major break occurred

—————————

February 5, 2026
Nancy Guthrie Investigation
Pima County Sheriff & FBI Briefing

Investigation classified as large-scale, multi-agency criminal investigation

• Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed the investigation had escalated into a major multi-agency operation involving local, regional, and federal partners.
• Sheriff Nanos formally activated the Pima Regional Critical Incident Team (PICRIT), a multi-agency task force composed of officers from multiple law enforcement agencies across the region.
• Agencies participating included:
• Pasqua Yaqui Police Department
• Tucson Police Department
• Marana Police Department
• Oro Valley Police Department
• Pima Community College Police Department
• Tucson International Airport Police Department
• Sahuarita Police Department
• Sheriff Nanos stated the expanded deployment was necessary due to the scope and complexity of the investigation.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “It is a very large, complex investigation with a lot of moving parts.”

FBI operating in full joint investigative partnership

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed FBI personnel were working side-by-side with sheriff’s detectives.
• FBI agents were participating directly in interviews, forensic evidence review, and investigative analysis.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed full data sharing between agencies.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “We’re sharing every piece of information, all the data we can, to get this thing solved.”

Crime scene forensic testing ongoing, additional results pending

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed biological evidence testing was ongoing, with additional forensic results still pending from laboratories.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed the blood recovered from the front porch had already been tested and confirmed to belong to Nancy Guthrie.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed additional forensic items had been submitted for testing but results had not yet been returned.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “The blood on the porch… came back to Nancy. That’s what we know. But there’s still more items that have been submitted. We just haven’t gotten them back yet.”

Investigators actively processing leads while awaiting forensic analysis

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators were actively pursuing leads while awaiting laboratory results.
• Sheriff Nanos stated both FBI personnel and PICRIT investigators were assigned to follow incoming leads and conduct investigative follow-up.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “Every single lead is looked at. Every one of them.”

Crime scene access expanded to additional investigative partners

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed that on the night of the initial response, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department was the only agency present at the scene.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed that in subsequent days, FBI agents and other investigative partners returned to the residence to independently review evidence and examine the crime scene.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “Since then, the FBI and others have asked, can we go and see it as well. And that’s what you’ve been seeing.”

No suspects or persons of interest identified

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators had not identified any suspect or person of interest at the time of the briefing.
• Sheriff Nanos emphasized that investigators were continuing efforts to identify those responsible.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “At this time, we have not identified a suspect or a person of interest in this case.”
• Sheriff Nanos further clarified: “We have nobody of interest or any suspects that you would consider a prime suspect. We’re just not there yet.”

Investigative priority remains recovery of Nancy Guthrie

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed the primary investigative goal remained locating Nancy Guthrie alive.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed both the Sheriff’s Department and FBI were working continuously to resolve the case.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “We believe Nancy is still out there. We want her home.”

Timeline

• The timeline, I think we’ve got it on the board, do we not? This is a timeline that we have been able to develop with some of the things that we’ve had processed. Various pieces of electronics that we’ve gathered.
• You look at some of this and I know you’re going to say, “Well, why did it take you so long to get this to us, Sheriff?” Well, because one thing, it’s got to go out and be processed at different lab sites and sometimes that stuff comes back to us and like you, we have questions and we say, “Wait a minute, what is this about? What about this? Could it be that?” And so it’s sent back or it’s sent somewhere else.
• And that’s happening with all of the things we see, that process, that review, and that questioning of, all right, what is it we’re looking at?
• So, I’ll go over it with you. You can see it on the board there, but at about 5:32 p.m., these are approximate times.

5:32 p.m.
Nancy travels to her local family’s home for dinner and playing games with the family and just visiting.

9:48 p.m.
Which is very consistent to what we were told by the family, that Nancy was dropped off at home. And we know that because we have a garage door open at approximately, I can’t stress that enough, at approximately 9:48 p.m.

9:50 p.m.
That garage door closes. It is that time we assume that Nancy is home and probably going to bed.

Sunday morning, early morning

• 1:47 a.m. The doorbell camera disconnects.
• 2:12 a.m. Software detects a person on a camera, but there’s no video available. They had no subscription and therefore it would rewrite itself. It just kind of loops, right, and covers up. That’s what our analysis teams have told us. We’re not done with that. We’ll do all we can, but that’s what it says.
• So, that detects a person on camera. Could that be an animal? I imagine that’s possible. We don’t know that. We just have no video, but we’re not giving up on that.
• 2:28 a.m. Nancy’s pacemaker app shows that it was a disconnect from the phone.
• 11:56 a.m. The family checks on Nancy and discovers her missing.
• 12:03 p.m. 911 is called in to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
• I believe it’s about approximately 10 minutes later, 12 minutes later, our patrol teams arrive. They see the scene, and we start our response with our search and rescue teams and our detectives from homicide and various units.

Clarifications about the scene

• In fact, every unit here, I think somebody questioned, how come there’s an IA member out here, or this member. Everybody in our criminal investigations team is a part of this team and part of this investigative effort. I think with that, let me make sure. Now, I want to clarify some things that I may have already done, but yeah, I’ve gone over the blood at the front door.
• The doorbell camera, it was removed. We know that, but we’re not confirming that any cameras were smashed or destroyed around the house. I don’t know where that came from, but that’s something we’re not confirming.
• The car that was at the home is standard investigative practice. It’s part of the search warrant, scene court orders. We pull it out of there and do our scene processing with the vehicle.
• Uber. We did speak to a driver because Nancy, we learned, had been taken by Uber to the family residence, the daughter, for dinner. We located that driver and spoke with them and got that information.
• The house, conducting follow up. I think you said somebody had mentioned that they saw a team out there again last night or yesterday. That’s just again what I was talking about before. Our partners wanted a chance to see it and examine things themselves. More importantly, we’re constantly following up on things and go, hey, what about this? So we want to go back and check on some things.
• Someone had mentioned there was forced entry. I have no clue where that comes from. We have been very consistent. We are not discussing that at all. Whether it’s forced entry or not forced entry, that is something we’re just not discussing. So, I don’t know where anybody got that information.

FBI statement, Heath Yonke The special agent in charge of the FBI’s Phoenix Division.

• Family: First, I want to let the Guthrie family know that our hearts are heavy for them. After seeing your message last night, it is clear that you and your family are in pain. Please know that we are doing everything to bring your mother home.
• Reward: The FBI is now working this case jointly with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. And we’re going to start today by announcing a $50,000 reward for information leading to the recovery of Nancy Guthrie and or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance. And this will be the missing persons with the reward that will be going out.
• Agents: The FBI has agents, analysts, and professional staff employees working day and night with our partners at the sheriff’s department. We have deployed additional intelligence and agents from our Phoenix office. We have brought in our critical incident response group from Quantico, Virginia. Members from our cellular analysis survey team are here and they continue to collect and process digital information.
• Investigation: We are actively reviewing and analyzing information from all digital sources which includes banks, social media companies, phone companies, and any other organizations where a digital footprint could have been captured. All this information provides data points and helps put the picture together. And we will be in the community continuing to conduct a thorough investigation with our partners. You heard about us out there last night. We will be back out there today. I would ask the media, give our investigators the space to do their jobs while they’re out there.
• Ransom Letter: Next, regarding the ransom letter, we are aware of a ransom letter that was sent to the local media and then to national outlets. As with every lead, we are taking it seriously. We are in communication with the family. And while we advise and recommend from a law enforcement perspective, any action taken on any ransom is ultimately decided by the family.
• Community: Thank you to those in the community that have called in tips. For anyone out there that may have information, no matter how small you think it may be, please report it. You can do so by calling 1-800-CALL-FBI or online at tips.fbi.gov.
• Imposters: My next message is to those impostors who are trying to take advantage and profit from this situation. We will investigate and ensure you are held accountable for your actions. We have made one arrest related to an impostor ransom demand and a complaint will be presented to a magistrate judge later today. You will get more on that from the FBI and our US Attorney’s Office here in Arizona when it becomes available.
• To anyone that may be involved, do the right thing. This is an 84 year old grandma. This is an 84 year old grandma that needs vital medication for her well being. You still have the time to do the right thing before this becomes a worse, much worse scenario for you. Please return Nancy home. Thank you.

Press questions and answers

• NBC National Liz: Right here. Can you walk us through that timeline, from when you believe, if you look at this here, from 1:47 to 2:28, what you think happened there and what particular software would have detected somebody on camera?
• Sheriff response: Yeah, I don’t. I know we know the software that was there, but I’m not, I’m sorry, I’m just not in the weeds. Think of your doorbell cameras. Somebody walks up. My wife’s, if I walk up she gets an alert and it’s usually something like that, a person’s detected.
• NBC National Liz follow up: So to understand then, does that mean that it was about a 45 minute span that the suspect or suspects would have been on the property? And then also does this essentially mean that you’ve cooperated with the tech companies and you can officially say that no surveillance video is available from the home?
• Sheriff response: We know that the tech company that we sent that camera off to, yes, they’ve said they’ve run out of ways to recover any video.

ABC News

• ABC News, Eric Kurtsk: Can we say it’s about a 45 minute span that somebody would have been on the property then, from 1:47 to 2:28?
• Sheriff: Yeah, I think those times speak for themselves and, like I say, those are approximates. So yes. I’m sorry, who was next? Did you say ABC News?
• ABC News, Eric Kurtski: Hi Sheriff. Thanks very much. Is there information that you are purposefully withholding because of the active investigation that might be leading you in a particular direction?
• Sheriff response: Criminal investigation that we conduct here. Law enforcement has conducted investigations since 1865 here in Pima County. We’re always mindful of what it is that’s in front of us and what we should release and can release. There’s legal guidelines that guide us, but there’s also strategy, too. So, I’ll leave that for you to determine.
• ABC News, Eric Kurtski follow up: Now that you are having such an injection of manpower from the Pima critical incident team and the FBI, we were slow to bring that in at the outset. Should all of these resources been brought to bear sooner?
• Sheriff response: I guess that, you know, it’s Monday morning quarterbacking. I do it all the time, so you have the opportunity to do it for me. I’ll take that hit.

CBS News

• Jonathan Vigliotti Sheriff, over here. Has there been any proof of life and has there been any signs of life?
• Sheriff response: Anything to deal with the ransom notes, I would defer to the FBI. But no, to my knowledge, we’re still looking for Nancy.
• CBS News, Jonathan Vigliotti follow up: And for my follow up question, if I can speak with the special agent, what was it about this apparent ransom note that now, three days on, you first haven’t been able to validate, and second, it warranted informing the Guthrie of its existence?
• FBI response: So the ransom note that was sent out there, obviously every lead in this case we are taking extremely serious. One is presented to the family. Why this one? Because this was the ransom that came in and it had facts associated with a deadline with a monetary value they were asking for. So at that point.
• CBS News, Jonathan Vigliotti follow up: What were some of those facts, if you can, because there’s been a lot of speculation. If you could set the record straight.
• FBI response: Yeah, the ransom itself, one talked about an Apple Watch and one talked about a flood light. We’re not going to go into specifics. It’s very important that we keep this investigation moving forward and we don’t want to put more facts out there that others then can use to try to profit from this.

CNN

• Ed Landetta: Hey, I want to follow up with you real quick on that. There have been, as far as we know, I think three ransom notes so far, one arrest. Are they all different? You think there’s different authors behind all of them, or
• FBI response: So, the one that went to the media is the one we are currently investigating and working on. The impostor that I talked about, where an arrest was made early this morning, there would be more information. We believe there’s no evidence to connect this to Nancy’s case. It was someone that was trying to profit from it. A total impostor.
• CNN, Ed Landetta follow up to Sheriff: And Sheriff, you started off the press conference by saying you believe Nancy is still out there. Do you have reason to believe that she’s still out there alive or are you fearful of the worst case scenario here, that she won’t be found alive?
• Sheriff response: Well, I’m certainly fearful of that. I think we all are. But we operate from a position that until we know she’s not out there, she’s alive. And we’re going to continue thinking that way until we find her.

Fox Digital

• Mike Reese: Yeah, sir. Michael from Fox Digital. Sheriff, you said you’ve identified no suspects. Have you ruled out anyone she was with on Saturday night?
• Sheriff response: You know, we’ve talked to so many. I’m sure that my investigators have feelings about this one’s clear or this one isn’t, but no, I wouldn’t say anybody’s ruled out yet because what if I rule you out and then later I learn something else? No.
• Fox Digital, Mike Reese follow up: You mentioned that you don’t know where the reporting of a forced entry came from. Do we know how whoever did this got into her house?
• Sheriff response: That I would not discuss with you. Anyway.

Fox News

• Paul Morrow Question for Agent Edwards, if I may. Agent Edwards, will the bureau be submitting the DNA for investigative genealogical investigation, relative to maybe hitting a relative, somebody, if you
• FBI response: I would say the DNA aspect of this case is being handled by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department right now. However, should we get to that point, yes, that would be an option for the FBI to assist.
• Fox News, Paul Morrow follow up: Does the ransom note that you’re working establish any communication protocols in it?
• FBI response: No, it does not. And that is what I think is important. If someone has Nancy and is demanding the ransom, there needs to be communication with the family. We talked about there has been no proof of life. And there was no other demands within that letter. So, they’re still waiting for communication.

ABC affiliate

• Ashley Holden. When you say the doorbell camera was disconnected, do you believe that camera was taken?
• Sheriff response: We do not have it in our possession. We’ve not located it.
• ABC affiliate, Ashley Holden follow up: We were also hearing in that video that was put out by her children, the challenges of seeing an image and knowing that it’s real. Could one of you address that? Has the family received correspondence, any images, videos?
• FBI response: We’re not going to go into facts regarding this part of the investigation. I think part of that message was, with AI these days, you can make videos that appear to be very real. So, we can’t just take a video and trust that that is proof of life these days because of the advancements in AI. We’re trying to actually get a proof of life that we can verify. But we’re not going to go into anything the family may or may not have received.

KD

• Katherine Patterson: In regards to a timeline on that ransom note, is that being an impact in your investigation? Are we nearing that timeline?
• FBI response: We’re not going to go into specifics of that part of the investigation with the ransom note other than what we’ve put out there. We’ve been transparent. We are working that ransom demand, but we don’t want to go anything further than that that could impact any opportunities. So, thank you.
• KD, Katherine Patterson follow up: Is there any additional physical evidence at the crime scene other than the technology that you guys are using for this timeline? Is there anything else that’s helping you guys other than really the technology?
• Sheriff response: Well, I think I said on day one it’s technology that’s going to really help us solve this case. But no, we did process that scene for biological evidence. So, we’re still hopeful that maybe something will show up there as well.

Arizona Republic, Richard Relasi

• Richard Relasi: We saw on the scene, I believe it was you, taking a tripod into the home of the sister. How involved was the FBI, if at all, in creating the video? Any advice for the family on that?
• FBI response: I would say we use our expertise and provide consultation and advice anytime a family would ask for our advice in a kidnapping. It’s ultimately the family’s decision of what they put out and any messages they put out. But we were there last night talking with the family. Every decision is theirs.
• Arizona Republic, Richard Relasi follow up: And that was a tripod and a ring light. You’ve said the blood was found on the porch and on the front stoop. Just wanted to verify that.
• Sheriff response: I say porch, front stoop. It’s all in that same general area by the front door.
• Arizona Republic, Richard Relasi: Front of the house.
• Sheriff response: Front door. Yes.
• Arizona Republic, Richard Relasi follow up: Given her medical condition and the fact it was her blood, what would her medical condition do with her recovery if she indeed bled out or was bleeding when she left the house?
• Sheriff response: Well, again, I’ve got to be careful for HIPAA, but I would say this. We know she is in need of medication, daily medication, and we also know that this is day four or five, and still we don’t know that she’s getting her medication. That could in itself prove fatal.

KUN News, Craig Smith

• Craig Smith: Have you been in communication with anyone who you believe could be the kidnapper?
• Sheriff response: You know, it goes back to what we talked about. Nobody’s eliminated, but we just really don’t have enough to say this is our suspect. This is our guy. We know. Or our gal. We just don’t know that. And it’s really kind of reckless to report that someone is a suspect when they could very well be a victim. I plead with you, the media, to be careful of what it is we put out there because we don’t have anybody here listed as a suspect and you could actually be doing some damage to the case, but you could do some damage to that individual, too. Social media is kind of an ugly world sometimes.
• KUN News, Craig Smith follow up: How far out have you expanded your search, can you say?
• Sheriff response: Look, nothing’s off the table. If we get a lead that there’s somebody over here or over here, we’re going and that will expand and expand and expand. I think the FBI with their billboards, they’re now planning to put those up at every state around here, all of our neighboring states. So, we use the national media, the FBI with their national outreach, to affect that for us. But as far as the actual investigation, naturally the home, the scene is the primary, and we just keep spreading it out as we get more and more leads.

Court TV, Cody Thomas

• Cody Thomas: My question is for Agent Yonke. We saw Savannah Guthrie and her sibling family put out that video last night on Instagram addressing the tragedy that this is, but also addressing the ransom letter saying they’re ready to talk. Did the FBI or any other agency help them craft that message to put out on social media?
• FBI response: Like I said to the previous question, we have an expertise when it comes to kidnappings. And when families want advice, consultation, expertise, we will provide that. But the ultimate decisions on what they say and how they put that out rest with the family itself.
• Court TV, Cody Thomas follow up: As far as suspects, I know we haven’t identified one, but what type of suspect or suspects do we think we’re dealing with here?
• FBI response: At this time, like the sheriff has said, there is no primary suspect identified, so it could run the gamut.

KPNX, Troy Hayden

• Troy Hayden Are you actively investigating the son in law in this case? I know there were reports earlier this week and you refuted that, but you said you haven’t eliminated everybody. Have you eliminated him or come close to it or are you actively looking at him?
• Sheriff response: We’re actively looking at everybody we come across in this case. Everybody. It would be irresponsible if we didn’t talk to everybody. The Uber driver, the gardener, the pool person, whoever, everybody. It’s so cliche, but everybody’s still a suspect in our eyes. That’s just how we look at things and think as cops.
• Does that mean we have a prime suspect? No. And the family has been very cooperative. They’ve done everything we’ve asked of them and we want that relationship to continue. And sometimes people can be mean out there and that can really harm us and harm our efforts.
• KPNX, Troy Hayden follow up: Did you find blood anywhere else in the home besides the porch?
• Sheriff response: The only DNA evidence we’ve got back is on the porch. We prioritize things and we rush things. Even then it’s two, three, four days. The other items could take ten days, twenty days. But we saw the importance of that blood. It came back to Nancy.
• KPNX, Troy Hayden: It was only there. It wasn’t anywhere else in the house.
• Sheriff response: I don’t know that. We processed the house for biological evidence and we’ve not gotten anything back.

Newsmax, Sarah Williamson

• Sarah Williamson My question is just piggybacking off our colleagues here about how far this search has gone. When it comes to doorbell cameras, you say technology plays a critical role in this. Have you been actively door knocking the neighbors and businesses and collecting those doorbell cameras? And is there anything that has come up there? How far?
• Sheriff response: I can’t tell you whether things have come up or not, but we have door to door. I think we’re still doing door to door. Not just in that neighborhood, but other neighborhoods. As leads come in and take us somewhere, we’re going to do those things.
• Newsmax, Sarah Williamson follow up: Just to clarify, that video released by her children last night, that was not coordinated with any law enforcement beforehand and that you hadn’t seen that video before it was released.
• Sheriff response: The FBI is handling all things with the ransom.
• FBI response: I think the answer was yes, we were there. The media was there. We can help coordinate and provide that consultation, but that is the family’s decision of what they film and what they put out.

Fox 10, Justin Loom

• Justin Loom: Agent Yonke, following up on that video released yesterday, you said ultimately any further action is decided by the family. Since then, have they expressed any more interest in more efforts to try and get in contact with who is behind the ransom letter? And do you have a crisis or any sort of hostage negotiator with your team for that type of situation if it moves forward?
• FBI response: I think it’s pretty clear the family wants to be contacted. 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.
• For your second question, yes, we have crisis negotiators. That is part of our team here locally along with the personnel we brought in from Quantico. And they will be part of it, but we’re not going to go beyond that of any specifics.
• Sheriff response on perimeter: Sheriff Nanos, taking down the crime scene perimeter after Monday’s investigation and really opening access to that property to everyone else, was that something you would do differently looking back, knowing federal authorities also conducted a search yesterday? Would you have kept that perimeter up?
• You know, Monday morning quarterback, I probably would have. But I’ll say this. We processed the scene. We did what we thought was complete. My team did that. I have faith and trust in their abilities and skills and I think they went through that pretty well.
• But because another agency now steps in and wants to assist, we’re an open book. Absolutely. How can we help?
• One of the things people don’t see, I heard your question about, you know, we left and then others could walk up. When we process a scene and we’re done, we return that scene to, in this case, the homeowners, the family, and we don’t just go march back in there. We call the family again and get permissions to go back to the home.
• So, yeah, again, Monday morning quarterback, absolutely, I probably could have held off on that. We knew that the FBI, we’ve worked with them before in a lot of cases and we felt like they could be of help in this, particularly the forensic analysis we use in a number of things.
• But at the start of this thing we weren’t sure what we had and as the day progressed we realized that there could be more to this. Remember it was a search and rescue mission the first few hours and we transitioned that over to a criminal investigation, and with that brought in our partners from the FBI and others.
• White House question: Have you heard from a President? Following up on that, we saw the message from the president yesterday. Have you personally received any communication from him, or
• Sheriff Nano: No. No. And I wouldn’t expect that. He too is a busy man, right? And I would say this, we thank him for him opening up his entire law enforcement team. That was put out yesterday.
• And we know, I know my local reporters here know, we’ve always worked well with all of our partners in law enforcement. Maybe it’s something unique to Southern Arizona and the rest of the country doesn’t see that, but this isn’t new for us. We’ve done this.
• I headed up that investigation many years ago and we worked side by side. Could not have got things done if we weren’t with the FBI on that.

Mexico question: 

• And just the other question, this being a border state, have you guys had any communication with Mexican authorities?
• Sheriff Nano: I have not. I work closely with the Mexican consulate as other consulates, being the sheriff, but no, I’ve not heard from them.

Medication and hospital checks

• Do you know what medication Nancy uses, and have you checked the local pharmacies around the state where they might find her, say this medication to keep her alive, to keep her healthy, while you still look for her?
• Sheriff Nano: So we do know what medications and we have contacted pharmacies. We probably need to go back to just make sure that they didn’t. Maybe we contacted them early on.
• I know that night, Sunday night, Saturday night, Sunday morning, I know we were doing all the hospital checks and that check was continuous. Every hour, deputies were going to each local area hospital and asking them to check their logs.

Search

• My second question here is, I know you’re looking for her in Pima County. Are you looking for her across the state now? And if there’s a particular area that you’re focusing on right now,
• Sheriff Nano: Well, we’re looking for her everywhere, right? The FBI just made an arrest on a tip that we got that we thought there could be something here. It’s statewide. The billboards are going to be out there across the country. We take leads from everywhere and where those leads take us, we’ll get there.

MS, Alex Talbet

• Alex Talbet Agent Hani, do you have any reason to believe that Nancy Guthrie may be being held outside of the country? Is that something that you ruled out at this point?
• FBI response We don’t have any of that information. We haven’t ruled anything out. Like the sheriff said, we will follow the facts wherever they take us, whether it is outside of the state of Arizona or over the border, we will follow the facts and go there. But we have no indication anything over the Mexican border.
• Alex Talbet You mentioned on the ransom note there were details about the Apple Watch and the flood light. The ransom notes that were sent out to TMZ, KG, and KOLD, are they all the same ransom note? Do they contain the same details in each of those individual ransom notes?
• FBI response: The ones that I am tracking and aware of were the same that went to TMZ, also.

NewsNation, Brian Entin

• Brian Entin: Agent Yonke, sorry. When did the first ransom note arrive? And the reason I ask is because the Apple Watch has been in the news and on social media and you could see flood lights on video. So, was it before those things were out in the world?
• FBI response: I don’t have the specific time frame as I sit here today of what time it came in, but you are right. Anyone could see a flood light hanging down, could have seen some of those things. The watch has been talked about. So that timing is tricky, but that’s why we’re taking it serious no matter what and following the leads on that, but I don’t have the time frame that the first note came in as I sit here today. Thank you.
• Brian Entin follow up to Sheriff In the house, were there any signs that someone tried to clean up or maybe destroy evidence?
• Sheriff response: I can’t talk about the crime scene, so I’ll give you another shot. Another question.
• Brian Entin follow up: I heard the agents say that it was a joint investigation. At the other press conference the FBI said they were assisting. Is it joint now? Are both agencies in charge now?
• Sheriff response Look, there’s no ego here. We in this part of the country, we’ll take anybody’s help. It’s not about who’s in charge.
• From day one when we contacted the FBI, they were gracious to say, “Whatever you need, whatever you need.” And so that’s really it. They’re great partners, just as my other local law enforcement brethren. I didn’t even have to ask. That’s what’s really amazing. I haven’t had to call anybody. They’ve called me. Sheriff, what do you need?

—————————

February 6, 2026
KOLD 13 News One-on-One Interview
“Sheriff Chris Nanos – Technology, Terrain, and Camera Coverage Challenges

Core Message: Technology Will Likely Solve the Case

• Sheriff Nanos stated modern technology will be central to solving the investigation.
• He contrasted past investigative eras (DNA breakthroughs early in his career) with modern tools such as:
• Cell phone location data
• Cell tower analysis
• Location tracking applications
• Digital surveillance systems
• He emphasized that while tools evolve, core investigative strategy remains the same. “It’s technology that’s really gonna help us solve this case.”

Expansion of Modern Digital Evidence Role

• Nanos described how current investigators have significantly more digital tools than prior generations.
• He framed the case as one where digital trace evidence will likely play a major role.
• FBI and technical partners were implied to be assisting with digital analysis workflows.

Terrain and Neighborhood Layout Challenges (Catalina Foothills)
Sheriff emphasized geographic investigation limitations:
Environmental Factors

• Rustic, non-uniform neighborhood layout
• Homes set far back from roads
• Larger lot spacing
• Dense vegetation
• This environment differs from dense suburban environments where cameras are layered closely.

Camera Coverage Limitations Explained

• Nanos specifically addressed why residential cameras may be less useful in this area:
• In dense suburban areas: “Cookie-cutter” housing
• Doorbell cameras on nearly every home
• Continuous overlapping street coverage

In the Guthrie neighborhood:

• Fewer cameras overall
• Cameras positioned farther from roadway
• Vegetation obstructing sightlines
• Larger distances between homes
• Those conditions reduce probability of capturing suspect movement clearly.

Key Quote Context – Camera Reality

• Nanos described the limitation directly: Some Ring or doorbell cameras may not capture what investigators need.
• Investigators must rely on additional evidence streams beyond residential video.
• He emphasized investigators are accustomed to working in these conditions.

Investigation Strategy Adjustment

Nanos indicated investigators must:

• Use alternate investigative methods beyond camera reliance
• Combine digital evidence sources
• Use traditional investigative work alongside technology
• He expressed confidence the case could still be solved despite environmental limitations.

February 13, 2026
FOX Interview – Sheriff Chris Nanos Source
Evidence Clarifications – Gloves

• Sheriff states investigators did not find a glove at Nancy Guthrie’s residence.
• Quote substance:
• “We have no glove.”
• “We never found a glove on that property.”
• Sheriff states gloves have been found in other areas regionally.
• Investigators are not prioritizing every glove report due to volume and distance.
• Example given: glove reports coming from as far away as Phoenix.

Crime Lab and Evidence Processing Strategy

Private Lab Use

• Sheriff states department has used the same contracted private forensic lab for decades.
• Lab relationship existed before his tenure.

Evidence Routing Decision

• Guthrie evidence sent to the same lab from the beginning of the case.
• Sheriff states:
• Guthrie family DNA samples are already housed there.
• Other case DNA swabs are already housed there.
• Keeping evidence in one location allows faster comparison testing.

FBI Coordination

• Sheriff states FBI was aware and supportive of this approach.
• Sheriff states decision rationale:
• Avoid splitting evidence between private lab and FBI Quantico lab.
• Maintain continuity of comparison testing.

Quote Substance

• “We trust the FBI crime lab.”
• “We’ve used them before.”
• “In this case we started with that lab. It’s just that simple.”

FBI Relationship and Partnership Claims

• Sheriff states: He is working well with the FBI.
• Claims he would have no reason to avoid FBI involvement.
• Described claims of FBI friction as “absolutely crazy.”

FBI Notification Timing

• Sheriff states:
• FBI was contacted the first working day after disappearance.
• FBI called to help and Sheriff officially called them morning after.
• States FBI quickly took lead on ransom note analysis.
• States FBI has superior technology for ransom communication investigations.

Ransom Notes

• Sheriff defers legitimacy determination to FBI.
• States FBI are the subject matter experts.

Case Classification

• Sheriff states: 
• Investigators believe case is a kidnapping.
• Investigators continue to evaluate all possibilities.

Suspect Elimination Philosophy

• Sheriff states:
• “Nobody is ever really eliminated.”
• Indicates investigative posture remains open.

Rio Rico Detention Clarification

• Sheriff states:
• Rio Rico man was a delivery worker.
• Man was in area of Nancy’s home.
• Multiple factors led investigators to review him.
• Sheriff states alibi satisfied investigators after interview.

Entry Method and Scene Details

• Sheriff declined to confirm:
• Forced entry
• Door used (front or back)

Blood and DNA Clarification

• Sheriff states:
• Nancy’s blood was located outside the home.
• Nancy’s DNA recovered inside residence.
• Sheriff would not confirm whether interior DNA was blood.

Crime Scene Release Criticism Response

• Sheriff states:
• Claims investigators collected all required evidence before releasing scene.
• Denies releasing scene too early.
• States it is not law enforcement role to clean scene evidence.
• Describes criticism as disrespectful to investigative team.

Deputy Presence at Residence

• Sheriff states patrol cars currently present at request of family.
• States purpose is family safety, not continued active scene control.

Family Cooperation Statements

• Sheriff states:
• Family fully cooperative with investigation.
• “100% completely” cooperative with requests.
• Criticized public speculation accusing family without evidence.
• Sheriff maintains investigative standard that no one is fully ruled out.

Contact With Savannah Guthrie

• Sheriff states:
• He has spoken and texted with Savannah Guthrie.
• States she does not need direct Sheriff contact due to support network.
• States entire family has direct access to him.

FBI Relationship Criticism Response

• Sheriff states:
• Claims long standing positive relationship with FBI.
• Declined to address historical criticism reports.
• Described FBI as “a good team” and “good people.”

—————————

January 17, 2026
ABC15 Arizona Press Briefing Source
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provides detailed investigative update and confirms key forensic and investigative developments

Abduction determination reaffirmed

• Sheriff Chris Nanos reaffirmed investigators’ official position that Nancy Guthrie was abducted from her home against her will.
• Sheriff Nanos declined to disclose specific details regarding forced entry or the method of entry.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “I believe just as I had initially that Nancy was removed from that home against her will. She was kidnapped and we still believe that.”

Crime scene processing duration and evidence handling

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators and forensic technicians processed the crime scene for more than 20 hours.
• Sheriff Nanos stated investigators, not command staff, determined when evidence processing was complete.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed evidence was collected, preserved, and submitted to laboratories and federal authorities.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “They spent over 20 hours at that scene processing it. They along with forensic techs who are trained processed these scenes. Then they decide that they’re done.”

Evidence submission to FBI and laboratory testing

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed that selected evidence, including ransom-related materials and digital evidence, was submitted to the FBI for technical analysis.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed biological evidence was submitted to the department’s contracted forensic laboratory.
• Sheriff Nanos stated the FBI was involved in the investigation from the beginning and maintained an ongoing collaborative role.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “Some of the evidence we gave to the FBI. Ransom notes, gave them to the FBI. We submitted all of our biological evidence to that lab.”

Glove DNA analysis and CODIS submission

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed DNA recovered from a glove was submitted to CODIS, the national Combined DNA Index System database.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed the DNA profile did not produce any matches in CODIS.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “The DNA came back. It was submitted into CODIS and we have no hits in CODIS.”

Mixed DNA evidence recovered from primary crime scene

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators recovered mixed DNA samples from within Nancy Guthrie’s residence.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed forensic laboratories were working to separate mixed DNA profiles for identification and comparison.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed genetic genealogy analysis was being considered as a next investigative step.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “We have DNA from that scene that is a mixture of DNA. So, we have to separate.”

Prioritization of crime scene evidence

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed that DNA evidence recovered from inside Nancy Guthrie’s residence was considered higher priority than evidence recovered from off-site locations.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “I prioritize the home, that’s our crime scene, well above anything found two, three, four, five miles away.”

Volume of investigative leads and data analysis

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators had received tens of thousands of investigative tips.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed specialized investigative software systems were being used to categorize and prioritize incoming leads.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators were actively reviewing and processing all tips.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “We will sort through the 30,000, 40,000 leads.”

Family officially ruled out as suspects

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed Nancy Guthrie’s family had been ruled out as suspects following investigative review.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed family members provided full cooperation with investigators.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators obtained voluntary access to family vehicles, phones, computers, and statements.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “They’ve been ruled out a while ago.”
  Sheriff Nanos further stated: “This family has cooperated 100%. Everything we’ve asked for them. Their cars, their phones, their computers, their statements.”

Investigation classified as ongoing abduction investigation

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators continued to operate under the belief Nancy Guthrie remained alive.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators had not received proof of death.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “You have no proof that she’s deceased. Nobody does.”

Public message directed toward suspect

• Sheriff Nanos issued a direct appeal to the individual or individuals responsible for Nancy Guthrie’s abduction.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “Let her go. Just let her go. Take her to a park. Take her to a hospital. Just let her go.”

Investigative significance

• Confirms official abduction classification
• Confirms mixed DNA recovered at primary crime scene
• Confirms CODIS submission produced no match
• Confirms genetic genealogy analysis under consideration
• Confirms FBI evidence involvement and coordination
• Confirms family officially ruled out as suspects
• Confirms continued classification as active rescue investigation

February 6, 2026
News One-on-One Interview
“Sheriff Chris Nanos defends investigative actions, confirms legal basis for search warrants, and reaffirms FBI coordination

Crime scene investigation decisions defended

• Sheriff Chris Nanos reaffirmed his confidence in his investigative team’s handling of the crime scene.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed crime scene processing decisions were made by experienced investigators and forensic specialists.
• Sheriff Nanos stated investigators have decades of experience handling homicide and abduction investigations.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: I have a team of investigators and forensic specialists who have done this work for decades. Hundreds if not thousands of crime scenes.”
• Sheriff Nanos rejected criticism regarding crime scene processing timelines and evidence handling.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “They came out of there. They turned over evidence to the FBI.”

FBI coordination confirmed as longstanding and continuous

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed the FBI has maintained a longstanding operational partnership with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed FBI personnel were involved in the investigation immediately and remained actively engaged.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “We’ve always had a great working relationship with the FBI.”

Regional and multi-agency task force involvement

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed the investigation involved a regional critical incident response team.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed the investigation included participation from multiple federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “This includes every agency in the region.”

Search warrant process confirmed to involve judicial review and legal approval

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed that all search warrants were obtained through judicial authorization.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed search warrants were supported by evidence and reviewed by prosecutors and judges prior to execution.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “Detectives work with the county attorney’s office. We review it with a judge. If we have enough for a search warrant and the judge approves, we go.”

Legal threshold and constitutional protections emphasized

• Sheriff Nanos emphasized the seriousness of executing search warrants and entering private residences.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators must demonstrate legal probable cause before conducting searches.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “Entering someone’s home is a serious matter. We take that breach of someone’s rights very seriously.”

Search warrants executed based on investigative leads

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed search warrants were executed only when investigative leads developed sufficient probable cause.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed search warrants were part of the normal progression of investigative work. 
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “We chased leads. That’s what detectives do.”

Rio Rico search warrants confirmed to have produced investigative information

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed search warrants executed in Rio Rico were based on investigative leads.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed those searches were legally authorized and executed as part of investigative procedures.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “We had search warrants at those homes. The judge approves, we go.”

DNA evidence investigation ongoing

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed DNA evidence had been submitted for analysis.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators were awaiting results from DNA database searches.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “We got the DNA. It was submitted. I’ve not heard anything further yet.”

Firearms retailers contacted as part of investigative canvassing

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators showed suspect images to firearms retailers.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators were attempting to identify the suspect through commercial inquiries.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “Detectives go to gun shops and say, ‘Does this person look familiar?’”

Investigation remains active and progressing

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators continued actively pursuing leads.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigative progress fluctuates depending on the development of new information.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “I feel closer. Every lead moves the investigation forward.”

Large-scale tip volume confirmed

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators received massive volumes of tips following public release of suspect images.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed the investigation generated hundreds of thousands of tips.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “We had approximately 18,000 tips initially. After the camera images were released, that generated almost 300,000 tips.”

Family status reaffirmed as victims

• Sheriff Nanos reaffirmed Nancy Guthrie’s family had been cleared as suspects.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators viewed the family as victims in the case. 
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “They are victims.”

Investigation remains classified as active abduction investigation

• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators continued to operate under the belief Nancy Guthrie remained alive.
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed investigators continued search and investigative efforts.
  Sheriff Nanos stated: “We will find her.”

Investigative significance

• Legal basis and authorization of search warrants
• FBI coordination confirmation
• DNA testing status
• Rio Rico search warrant justification
• Massive tip intake volume
• Crime scene handling defense
• Ongoing abduction classification

Nanos Public Statements Timeline

. February 2, 2026 (CNN: Pima County briefing)

• Sheriff Chris Nanos speaks during a Pima County Sheriff’s Department news conference carried live by CNN. 
• He references search activity and says deputies saw “some things at the home that were concerning.” 
  
• Nanos tells CNN he believes Nancy Guthrie was abducted, based on scene indicators and her limited mobility, while emphasizing he cannot share scene details. 
• He describes ongoing canvassing and prioritizing retrieval of camera and other digital evidence. 

February 3, 2026 (media briefing, widely carried)

• Nanos is at a Tucson media briefing about the case. 
• He publicly states search activity is slowing while investigative work increases, and he references submitting items for DNA testing. 
  

February 5, 2026 (press conference, timeline released, user provided transcript)

• Nanos releases the approximate timeline (garage door times, doorbell disconnect, detection event without video, pacemaker app disconnect, family check, 911 call).
• He states: blood on the porch returned as Nancy’s, there is no identified suspect or person of interest, and he addresses recurring rumors (forced entry, camera destruction, etc.).
• He describes FBI partnership, PRIT support, and pending lab work.
  

February 6, 2026 (KOLD “one on one” interview)

• Nanos says technology will be key, and discusses modern digital evidence and terrain challenges in Catalina Foothills.

February 7, 2026 (CNN Newsroom quote)

• Nanos says they are still in process, have gotten some things back, but nothing that clearly resolves the case yet. 
  

February 12 to 13, 2026 (response to evidence access dispute reporting)

• Nanos responds to reports alleging his department is blocking FBI access to key evidence, and says the claim is not true, citing a plan to keep evidence testing with the same lab. 
• Reuters reports a U.S. official’s account of friction over evidence processing and lab choice, describing FBI requests for access to items such as a glove and DNA. 

Press Conference Transcript Master Index

February 2, 2026

• CNN live carry of Pima County briefing featuring Nanos remarks. 

February 3, 2026

• Tucson media briefing with Nanos addressing press (AZPM summary and photo caption). 
• CNN clips and segments carrying Nanos statements from that day. 
  

February 5, 2026

• Pima County Sheriff and FBI joint press conference where the department released the timeline, and the FBI announced the reward and addressed the ransom note. (Your transcript, YouTube: “Sheriff provides update,” video link in your post.)

February 6, 2026

• Not a press conference, but a structured on camera interview with KOLD that functions like a public update. 
  

February 12 to 13, 2026

• Not a press conference, but a public response via media interview and reporting on evidence access allegations. 
  

Press Conference to Case Milestone Cross Reference Grid

Milestone: “Concerning scene” and shift toward abduction theory

• Feb 2 CNN carried briefing: Nanos references “concerning” scene. 
• Feb 2 CNN OutFront: Nanos says he believes she was abducted, explains mobility concern, and references scene indicators without detailing them. 

Milestone: Public acknowledgement of investigative focus, DNA submissions

• Feb 3 media briefing: Nanos references DNA submissions and investigative shift. 

Milestone: Official timeline release and core digital events (doorbell, detection without video, pacemaker app disconnect, family check, 911 call)

Feb 5 press conference.

Milestone: FBI joint posture and reward announcement

• Feb 5 press conference: FBI announces reward and says the case is being worked jointly with the Sheriff’s Department. (Your transcript.)

Milestone: Ransom note publicly acknowledged and deadline framing

• Feb 5 press conference: FBI acknowledges ransom letter(s), says leads are taken seriously, and discusses family decision making. (Your transcript.)

Milestone: “Technology will be key,” plus terrain and camera limitations framing

• Feb 6 KOLD interview: Nanos emphasizes technology and discusses terrain and camera coverage issues. 

Milestone: Status update, no “aha” evidence yet

• Feb 7 CNN Newsroom quote: Nanos says nothing definitive yet. 

Milestone: Public dispute over FBI access to evidence and lab processing

Feb 12 to 13: Nanos denial and explanation via Gray and other reporting, and Reuters account of official criticism. 

This timeline documents internal conflict, leadership disputes, lawsuits, disciplinary actions, and public criticism involving Sheriff Chris Nanos and Sergeant Aaron Cross of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD), including events surrounding the Nancy Guthrie investigation.

1976

• Chris Nanos begins employment with the El Paso Police Department.

1976 – 1982

• Serves in the El Paso Police Department.
• Advances to the rank of corporal.

1982

• Nanos resigns from the El Paso Police Department.
• Circumstances of resignation:
• Dispute involving supervisory authority over vehicles
• Offered discipline in the form of a suspension
• Chooses to resign instead of accepting suspension

2015

• Chris Nanos is appointed chief of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department after Sheriff Clarence Dupnik retires.
• Nanos assumes leadership of the department and begins preparations to run for election to the sheriff’s position in 2016.
• During the same year, the FBI opens an investigation into the Pima County Sheriff’s Department regarding alleged misuse of civil asset forfeiture funds.
• The investigation places the department under federal scrutiny and contributes to long-term tensions between federal authorities and PCSD leadership referenced in later internal disputes.

October 2015

• Chief Deputy Chris Radtke is indicted on federal charges related to misuse of civil asset forfeiture funds at the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
• Federal investigators accuse Radtke of improperly using hundreds of thousands of dollars seized through forfeiture programs.
• Investigators also examine department expenditures, including approximately $20,000 used to construct a commercial kitchen that supported a café operated by Radtke’s niece.
• Radtke later enters a plea agreement, pleading guilty to three misdemeanor counts of theft of government property.
• Radtke does not receive a prison sentence as part of the plea agreement.
• Chris Nanos, who was chief of the department at the time, is not charged with any crime.
• During the federal investigation, Nanos gives a public interview to KGUN in which he sharply criticizes the FBI and disputes aspects of the investigation.
• The federal investigation and resulting prosecution become a significant event in PCSD leadership history and are later cited as contributing to long-term tension between Sheriff Nanos and federal authorities.

December 2022

• PCSD investigates allegations that Sergeant Ricky Garcia sexually abused a subordinate deputy.
• Sergeant Aaron Cross later publicly criticizes Sheriff Chris Nanos’s handling of the case.
• The Arizona Attorney General’s Office later determines the department committed no criminal violations but did violate its own internal policies in at least four instances.
• Ricky Garcia is later convicted at trial of two counts of attempted sexual assault and two counts of sexual abuse.

2023

• Sergeant Aaron Cross becomes president of the Pima County Deputies Organization (PCDO), the union representing deputies and detectives.
• Cross conducts a department morale poll and delivers feedback critical of leadership to Sheriff Nanos.
• Cross later states he was transferred out of his midnight shift assignment after delivering the feedback, which he characterized as retaliation.
• Cross says the transfer disrupted his family arrangements, as he had worked nights to coordinate childcare with his spouse.

Early 2024

• Deputies conduct an anonymous vote of confidence in Sheriff Chris Nanos.
• According to Cross, the result shows unanimous “no confidence” in Sheriff Nanos except for one vote.
• Cross and other deputies publicly support Sheriff Nanos’s election challenger, Lt. Heather Lappin.

May 2024

• Sheriff Nanos initiates an internal affairs investigation into Cross following Cross’s interview with radio station KVOI in which Cross publicly criticized department leadership.
• Cross files a lawsuit in U.S. District Court challenging the investigation.
• Cross later requests dismissal of the case.

July 2024

• Heather Lappin (Republican Party) ran for election for Pima County Sheriff in Arizona.  Source
• Heather Lappin was born in Hillsdale, Michigan. She earned a high school diploma from Hillsdale High School, a bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University in 2021, a graduate degree from Northern Arizona University in 2023. Lappin has also attended the following command colleges: Northwestern University Police Staff and Command, Senior Management Institute of Police, Homeland Security Leadership Academy, and Transform Law Enforcement at the University of Kentucky. Her career experience includes working as a law enforcement officer.

Mid-2024

• Cross publicly protests Sheriff Nanos’s leadership, including camping outside sheriff’s headquarters and holding protest signs criticizing the sheriff’s actions and department conditions.
• Cross participates in public demonstrations opposing Sheriff Nanos during the election cycle.
• Some deputies reportedly protest while wearing masks to conceal their identities due to fear of retaliation.

Fall 2024 (Pre-Election Period)

• Lt. Heather Lappin, a Republican candidate for Pima County Sheriff, is actively campaigning while employed by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department wearing PCSD Uniform.
• Sheriff Chris Nanos places Lappin on administrative leave in the final weeks of the election. Sgt. Aaron Cross, a union leader, was also placed on leave
• Both were placed on administrative leave after campaigning for Lt. Heather Lappin while wearing clothing resembling a PCSD uniform.
• Lappin later alleges these actions were politically motivated and intended to influence the election outcome
• The 2024 sheriff election concludes with:
• Incumbent Democrat Chris Nanos winning
• Margin of victory under 500 votes after a recount

November 5, 2024.

• Heather Lappin lost in the general election Source

Late November 2024

• Pima County Board of Supervisors refers concerns regarding Sheriff Nanos to the U.S. Department of Justice.
• Cross files a second federal lawsuit alleging Sheriff Nanos violated his First Amendment rights.
• The lawsuit claims Cross was placed on administrative leave after campaigning for Lt. Heather Lappin while wearing clothing resembling a PCSD uniform.
• The lawsuit remains pending at the time of the Nancy Guthrie investigation.

December 11, 2025

• Sheriff Nanos provides sworn deposition testimony in federal civil case.
• Key testimony: Acknowledges prior disciplinary history
• States no discipline rising to level of suspension
• Later clarification: Statement reflects procedural definition under Arizona law. Not a denial of past discipline

December 2024

• Department of Justice formally declines to open criminal investigation into Sheriff Nanos.
• DOJ review outcome: No federal predicate for criminal investigation

January 25, 2026

• An experienced tactical flight deputy and pilot with approximately 17 years in the air unit is transferred out of the aviation unit.
• Cross later states this pilot was highly trained and that significant resources had been invested in his training.
• Cross claims the transfer was related to minor demeanor complaints and informal discipline.
• Sheriff Nanos later states the pilot was removed following Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints and at the request of unit personnel.

February 1, 2026

• Nancy Guthrie is reported missing from her Catalina Foothills home in what investigators believe was a forcible abduction.
• According to Cross, the air unit is initially unable to deploy its fixed-wing aircraft immediately due to staffing limitations following the pilot transfer.
• Cross states a helicopter is deployed first, and the fixed-wing aircraft is launched approximately two to three hours later.
• Sheriff Nanos disputes Cross’s claims and states all air assets, including helicopters, planes, and drones, were operational and used throughout the investigation.

February 5, 2026

• Sergeant Aaron Cross tells The Arizona Republic investigators had released Guthrie’s home as a crime scene too early.
• Sheriff Nanos later publicly states investigators properly completed crime scene processing and that FBI agents were allowed to examine the scene afterward.

February 9, 2026

• Sheriff Chris Nanos response to Sgt. Aaron Cross criticism
• Aircraft staffing dispute
• Sheriff Chris Nanos publicly rejected Sgt. Aaron Cross’ claims that the department’s air unit was understaffed due to the reassignment of a pilot prior to Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
• Sheriff Nanos stated the pilot was removed from the air unit several weeks before the disappearance following Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaints filed by personnel within the aviation unit.
• Sheriff Nanos stated the pilot had already been replaced.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “Our aircraft have been available to us the entire time, they still worked this entire time, all aircrafts, all air assets, including the helicopter and our planes and our drones. So for him to say that it was sat down because we’re missing a pilot is completely false, inaccurate and he knows that. Aaron Cross is lying to you.”
• Aircraft availability and operational readiness
• Sheriff Nanos stated all air assets remained operational throughout the investigation.
• Sheriff Nanos stated helicopter operations were occasionally affected by environmental conditions such as high winds.
• Sheriff Nanos stated when local helicopter operations were grounded due to weather, Pinal County’s helicopter was used as a backup air asset.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “There have been times when pilots have had to ground the helicopter due to high winds, but during those instances Pinal County’s chopper was used because it’s heavier.”
• Sheriff criticism of Sgt. Cross’ public statements
• Sheriff Nanos publicly challenged Sgt. Cross’ credibility and investigative knowledge.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “He knew nothing about the Ricky Garcia case, and he still blabbered his mouth and he’s doing the same here.”“Aaron Cross is just being Aaron Cross. He is manipulative and he is a liar. He best be careful because the further this goes for him the deeper he’s digging himself.”
• Sheriff Nanos also questioned Sgt. Cross’ investigative experience:
• “I would ask you to ask Aaron Cross, when was the last time he investigated a burglary? He’s just a street cop who’s never done anything at that level. He’s never investigated any crime.”
• Crime scene processing dispute
• Sheriff Nanos responded directly to criticism regarding the timing of releasing Nancy Guthrie’s home after initial crime scene processing.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “First of all, we didn’t release the crime scene too early. We finished. We completed our crime scene. Done. Ask my investigators. They did it and they felt confident they retrieved everything.”
• Sheriff Nanos confirmed FBI agents were later granted access to re-examine the scene.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “The FBI came in the next day and asked if their agents could examine it themselves and they were given the OK.”
• Sheriff Nanos denied allegations of evidence contamination or chain of custody compromise.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “No, the contamination of evidence or, my goodness, we lost the chain of custody, that’s all BS.”
• Investigative integrity defense
• Sheriff Nanos stated the FBI had not identified any additional evidence beyond what local investigators had already discovered. Sheriff Nanos stated: “The FBI hasn’t found anything not already found by my detectives, and this investigation is being conducted just like any other investigation.”
• Sheriff Nanos emphasized the department’s full commitment to the investigation.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “We’re devoting everything we’ve got to it.”
• Sheriff Nanos accused Sgt. Cross of attempting to politicize the investigation.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “Aaron Cross just wants to politicize everything and anything. He’s taking an opportunity, somebody’s tragedy, and trying to make it his own hit piece.”
• Attendance at University of Arizona basketball game
• Sheriff Nanos responded to criticism regarding his attendance at a University of Arizona basketball game during the investigation.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “Even though I want to, I can’t, and to sit back and say, ‘Well, it’s a bad image,’ I guess I’m going to have to live with that image, because I got to a point where I needed to decompress a little bit.”
• Sheriff Nanos stated he remained actively engaged during the event.
• Sheriff Nanos stated: “He had his cell phone with him and spent most of the game on it.”
• Operational command authority reaffirmed
• Sheriff Nanos reiterated his confidence in his investigative team and the integrity of the investigation. Sheriff Nanos stated:“They did it and they felt confident they retrieved everything.”

February 12, 2026

• Pima County Deputy’s Organization Facebook page run by PCDO president Aaron Cross posts the following: Source
• Picture of the clown holding a sign “Sheriff Nano’s from one clown to another Resign” with the following statement: Before Sheriff Nanos opens another erroneous investigation, PCDO President, Sgt Aaron Cross, had nothing to do with this

February 14, 2026

• Interview: Sergeant Aaron Cross speaks publicly as union president regarding internal department conditions.
• Cross states detectives are working 70 to 80 hour weeks investigating Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
• Cross says many detectives have limited homicide experience due to staffing turnover.
• Cross says 45 of 96 detectives are newly assigned detective level personnel.
• Cross states over half of patrol deputies have less than one year of experience.
• Cross criticizes leadership decisions, including transfer practices and resource allocation.
• Cross states he believes the FBI should have been given primary control of the investigation.
• Cross states transfers have been used as retaliation against deputies who speak critically of leadership.
• Cross states he personally experienced a transfer following criticism of department leadership.
• Cross emphasizes detectives are working hard and asks the public not to blame investigators for leadership decisions.

February 15, 2026

• Sheriff Nanos publicly responds to Cross’s criticism, stating Cross’s claims are inaccurate.
• Sheriff Nanos accuses Cross of making false statements and politicizing the investigation.
• Sheriff Nanos states investigators are processing thousands of evidence items and following over 3,000 tips.
• Sheriff Nanos says his office has maintained a near 100 percent homicide clearance rate over the past five years.

March 11, 2026

• U.S. Department of Justice issues formal written response:
• Confirms decision not to pursue criminal investigation
• States matter had already been addressed in December 2024
• Reaffirms no further action will be taken

March 24, 2026

• Aaron Cross, Sergeant and President of the Pima County Deputy’s Organization (PCDO), spoke and urged the Board to take action regarding Sheriff Nanos and concerns raised about leadership within the department. Source

April 21, 2026

• Memorandum submitted to Pima County Board of Supervisors.
• Prepared by legal counsel representing Sheriff Nanos.
• Purpose:
• Provide formal written responses to Board inquiries
• Clarify public record

2026, ongoing

• Cross continues publicly criticizing leadership decisions and resource management.
• Sheriff Nanos continues publicly disputing Cross’s claims and defending investigative decisions.
• Public and media attention intensifies as internal conflict becomes part of national reporting on the Nancy Guthrie case.