Nancy Guthrie’s case drew a new response from Sheriff Chris Nanos as the search passed three months. The Pima County sheriff said his team was “doing a good job,” while acknowledging broader department problems.
Savannah Guthrie‘s mother’s disappearance investigation remains active after authorities said the 84-year-old was taken from her Tucson home. A new interview also addressed mixed DNA evidence, unnamed suspects, and Nanos’ promise to fix internal divisions.
Nancy Guthrie case Sheriff Chris Nanos speaks on department’s handling of the case
As per a PEOPLE report dated May 13, 2026, Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the Nancy Guthrie case. The outlet said his department and the FBI are investigating the alleged kidnapping. Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, according to the report. Authorities believe a masked man was seen tampering with her doorbell camera. Nanos told PEOPLE, “My team, I’ve said all along, they’re gonna solve this.” He added, “I fully, 100% believe that.” However, no suspect had been identified more than three months later.
The interview came after the Pima County Board of Supervisors declined to remove Nanos from office. That decision came on May 12, one day before the PEOPLE interview. Still, Nanos acknowledged problems inside the department. He said, “I listened to the board, I agree.” He added that officials said, “The department, it was a mess.” The sheriff said he planned to “get ahold of my department.” He also said the internal divide had “gone on for quite some time.”
Meanwhile, Sheriff Chris Nanos said the department remained focused on leads in the Nancy Guthrie case. He said “mixed DNA evidence” from the scene could help federal investigators. However, he acknowledged challenges when the DNA includes more than two people. “I think we’re getting closer,” Nanos said. Guthrie, the mother of journalist Savannah Guthrie, remains missing from Tucson, Arizona. Nanos also said fixing department divisions was his duty as sheriff. He said he would meet labor groups and executives to move forward.
