Sheriff Defends Investigation into Missing Tucson Woman Nancy Guthrie

Investigation Update on Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance

Chris Nanos, the sheriff of Pima County, has publicly supported his department's approach to the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, asserting he has "no regrets" as the search continues. In a recent interview, Nanos stated that the investigation into the 84-year-old's case has unfolded as planned, despite the absence of arrests or named suspects since her disappearance from her Tucson residence on January 31. "Yes, absolutely," he affirmed when asked if the investigation was proceeding as expected. "I have no regrets about my team and their efforts. I don't regret that we allowed the crime scene to be cleared too soon; that's just absurd."

Nanos made a heartfelt plea to anyone involved in her disappearance, urging them to return her safely. "Just let her go. Take her to a clinic or a hospital — just drop her off," he implored. Nancy Guthrie is the mother of Savannah Guthrie, a co-host on the Today show.

On Sunday, her family issued a statement requesting the public's renewed focus on the case, asking residents to check for any potential evidence, including surveillance footage from January 11. "We urgently ask this community to pay renewed attention to our mom's case," the statement read. "Please review camera footage, journal entries, text messages, or any observations that might seem relevant. No detail is too minor; it could be crucial." The family expressed their deep longing, stating, "We miss our mom with every breath, and we cannot find peace until she is home. We cannot grieve; we can only ache and wonder. Our sole focus is on finding her and bringing her back home."

Investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation have been seeking security footage from nearby residences, but local reports indicate that no significant evidence has been found thus far. In a separate interview, Nanos confirmed that the investigation remains active, stating, "We have a lot ahead of us, and we believe we have solid evidence. Could that change? Absolutely. Anything is possible, but we are not giving up." Authorities have released doorbell camera footage showing an armed, masked individual outside Guthrie's home shortly before her disappearance. Officials noted that this person spent around 40 minutes inside after the camera was disabled at approximately 1:45 AM on February 1. Her pacemaker lost connection with her mobile phone around 2:30 AM, suggesting a possible abduction at that time.

Nanos has previously warned that Guthrie, who lived alone, could face life-threatening consequences without her daily medication. He has faced criticism regarding his management of the case and is scheduled to be questioned by the Pima County Board of Supervisors at a meeting on Tuesday. Additionally, local representative Matt Heinz has called for Nanos to step down, citing issues related to misrepresentation of his work history and alleged false testimony revealed in a sworn deposition reported by a local newspaper. Documents referenced by the publication indicate that Nanos resigned from the El Paso Police Department in 1982, earlier than what was stated on his résumé. He is also facing a recall effort initiated by local residents dissatisfied with his performance, including congressional candidate Daniel Butierez, who has reportedly mobilized hundreds of volunteers to collect signatures.