The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, has been shadowed by early missteps, according to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos. He openly acknowledged that crucial time was lost in the initial hours, potentially hindering the search for the vulnerable woman.
One significant error involved prematurely releasing Guthrie’s home as a crime scene. Days later, investigators were forced to return, painstakingly searching for additional evidence that might have been overlooked. Nanos admitted, with the benefit of hindsight, the scene should have remained secured for a longer duration.
Compounding the initial delays, a dispute between Sheriff Nanos and the pilot of the county’s advanced search aircraft led to the pilot’s reassignment to street patrol. This decision delayed the aircraft’s deployment for several critical hours after Guthrie was reported missing, a delay described by one source as “an eternity” in a search for a vulnerable adult.
The reassignment sparked criticism from the Pima County Deputies Organization, who argued it left a vital law enforcement asset understaffed. They revealed the pilot had personally appealed the decision to Nanos, but the reassignment stood, mirroring a pattern of staffing choices that depleted key units.
Investigators now believe Nancy Guthrie was forcibly taken from her Tucson home. The timeline reveals she was dropped off after a family dinner around 9:48 p.m. on January 31st. A series of unsettling events followed, beginning with the disconnection of her doorbell camera at 1:47 a.m. the next morning.
Minutes later, motion was detected near the house, but no video was recorded. Then, at 2:28 a.m., Guthrie’s pacemaker application disconnected from her phone, which was found inside the residence. These fragmented clues paint a disturbing picture of a carefully planned abduction.
DNA analysis confirmed blood found on the front porch belonged to Nancy Guthrie, solidifying fears of a violent encounter. The FBI has joined the investigation, offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to her safe return.
Federal authorities are currently investigating ransom notes, and one individual has been arrested in connection with a fraudulent ransom demand. The case has now officially been classified as a possible kidnapping, prompting a massive inter-agency effort to locate Guthrie.
Nancy Guthrie’s son, Camron, issued a desperate plea directly to those holding his mother. “We haven’t heard anything directly,” he stated, his voice filled with anguish. “Whoever is out there holding our mother, we want to hear from you.”
Despite the complexities and evolving nature of the investigation, Sheriff Nanos emphasized the singular focus remains locating Nancy Guthrie. He stated that regardless of which agency takes the lead, the priority is bringing her home safely.
Authorities are withholding specific details to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, but the search continues with unwavering determination. The hope remains that someone, somewhere, holds the key to unlocking the mystery surrounding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
