Sheriff Accused of Blocking FBI Access to Evidence in Nancy Guthrie Abduction Case
A local sheriff is allegedly impeding FBI access to critical evidence in the ongoing investigation into the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, according to a law enforcement official with direct knowledge of the case. Guthrie, the mother of prominent television journalist Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her residence in Arizona's Catalina Foothills on February 1.
Evidence Dispute Slows Investigation
The official states that the FBI requested Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos to hand over physical evidence, including a glove and DNA samples collected from Guthrie's home, for processing at the FBI's national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. However, Sheriff Nanos has reportedly refused this request, insisting instead on using a private laboratory based in Florida.
This decision effectively denies federal investigators access to what is described as crucial evidence, potentially delaying a case that grows more urgent with each passing day. The official highlighted that the county has already expended approximately $200,000 to send evidence to the Florida facility, citing unspecified earlier setbacks in the probe.
Jurisdictional Tensions Emerge
Under legal protocols, the Pima County Sheriff's Department holds primary jurisdiction over the abduction case. FBI assistance must be formally requested by the county; otherwise, federal agents are legally precluded from participating in the investigation. The official criticized Sheriff Nanos for not seeking FBI support sooner, emphasizing that leveraging federal resources and advanced technology represents the fastest path to resolving the case.
"It's clear the fastest path to answers is leveraging federal resources and technology. Anything less only prolongs the Guthrie family's grief and the community's wait for justice," the official asserted. A spokesperson for Sheriff Nanos did not immediately respond to requests for comment on these allegations.
Details of the Abduction and Investigation
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 when family members dropped her off at her home following an evening dinner. Relatives reported her missing the following day. Authorities have indicated that Guthrie, who had extremely limited mobility and required daily medication, could not have wandered far unassisted, leading investigators to conclude she was abducted by force.
Traces of blood found on Guthrie's front porch were confirmed through DNA testing to belong to the grandmother. At least two purported ransom notes have surfaced since her disappearance, both delivered initially to news media outlets and setting deadlines that have since lapsed without any proof of life emerging.
Recent Developments and Public Appeals
In a significant development, authorities released video footage from Guthrie's doorbell camera, captured near the time of her abduction. The footage shows an armed prowler in a ski mask and gloves attempting to disable the camera. Investigators are likely applying facial recognition analysis to produce a composite image for comparison against national databases.
Additionally, law enforcement officials reported recovering a black latex glove discarded on a roadside, which is undergoing forensic examination. The FBI has doubled the reward for information leading to Guthrie's location or the arrest and conviction of a suspect to $100,000.
Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC News' Today show, has posted several video messages with her siblings, appealing to her mother's captors for her safe return and pleading for public assistance in solving the case.
