Savannah Guthrie, the prominent Today show host, has reportedly informed the embattled sheriff leading the investigation into her mother's abduction that she "doesn't need him." This revelation comes as the case enters its second week with Nancy Guthrie, 84, still missing from her Tucson, Arizona home.
Sheriff's Communication with Guthrie Family
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, who has faced mounting criticism over his handling of the high-profile investigation, disclosed to Fox News that he had communicated with Savannah Guthrie via text and phone. According to Nanos, Guthrie responded that "she has her own people and didn't need him." This exchange highlights the growing tension between law enforcement and the Guthrie family as the search continues.
Investigation Details and Challenges
The sheriff's department, assisted by federal agents, has been conducting an intensive search for Nancy Guthrie for nearly two weeks. The 84-year-old vanished from her $1 million foothills residence, prompting investigators to conduct door-to-door inquiries in surrounding neighborhoods. They have also examined her daughter Annie's nearby home, which Nancy visited hours before disappearing.
Key evidence includes blood discovered at Nancy's entryway and doorbell camera footage capturing a masked individual on the night she went missing. Investigators briefly erected a tent at the entryway last Thursday to process the scene further.
Evidence Controversy and FBI Involvement
Sheriff Nanos has faced allegations of mishandling evidence, particularly regarding a glove found at the property. He recently stated, "We have no glove. We never found a glove on that property," contradicting earlier reports. Reuters revealed that Nanos blocked the FBI from examining a glove and DNA evidence, opting to send them to a private Florida lab instead of the FBI's national crime lab in Quantico, Virginia.
Nanos defended his decision, claiming the FBI wanted to send only select items, while he advocated for comprehensive testing. "I said 'No, why do that? Let's just send them all to where all the DNA exist,'" he explained to KVOA. Critics argue this move has slowed the investigation and prolonged the family's distress.
Suspect Description and Reward Increase
The FBI has analyzed the doorbell footage, revealing an armed suspect attempting to cover the camera with a gloved hand and a plant. The bureau describes the individual as a 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10 male with an average build. They also released images of a black "Ozark Trail Hiker Pack" backpack worn by the suspect.
In a significant development, FBI Phoenix has increased the reward for information to $100,000, underscoring the urgency of the case.
Surveillance and Resource Issues
Multiple sources within the Pima County Sheriff's Department allege that Nanos mishandled the crime scene and issued contradictory public statements. Insiders claim a vital search-and-rescue aircraft was grounded initially due to staffing shortages, not mechanical issues, which they blame on Nanos' leadership.
During press conferences, Nanos has apologized for delays and retracted statements, including an early claim that Nancy was "harmed at the home" and taken from her bed. He later admitted misspeaking. When asked about suspects, he remarked, "Your guess work is as good as mine," raising concerns about the investigation's direction.
Broader Implications and Scrutiny
Sheriff Nanos, a veteran law enforcement officer, acknowledged he is unaccustomed to the intense scrutiny accompanying this case. The abduction has drawn national attention due to Savannah Guthrie's celebrity status and the mysterious circumstances surrounding her mother's disappearance.
As the investigation persists, questions remain about the effectiveness of local and federal collaboration, with traffic cameras in the area reportedly not recording vehicles, complicating efforts to identify a truck potentially linked to the abduction.
The Guthrie family, including Savannah and her siblings Camron and Annie, continue to appeal for public assistance, sharing videos online to seek help in locating their mother.
