Pima County Sheriff Faces Scrutiny Over Handling of Savannah Guthrie’s Mother’s Disappearance
4 weeks ago
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says he’s navigating unfamiliar territory as national attention intensifies around the disappearance of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie’s mother.
Eighty-four-year-old Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on Jan. 31. Since then, Nanos has held multiple press briefings, attempting to balance public transparency with protecting investigative details — an approach he admits hasn’t always landed smoothly.
“I’m not used to everyone hanging onto my every word,” Nanos told reporters, acknowledging the heightened scrutiny.
The sheriff has faced criticism over several decisions, including allowing Guthrie’s home to be returned to the family after investigators processed the scene. Before authorities resecured the property, journalists photographed what officials later confirmed were droplets of Guthrie’s blood near the front door.
He also drew backlash for attending a University of Arizona basketball game while the search was ongoing. Nanos defended the decision, saying investigators cannot work nonstop and he needed time to decompress.
The case entered its second week with investigators releasing surveillance video showing a masked person wearing a gun holster and backpack approaching Guthrie’s home. The footage does not show what happened to her or whether she is still alive.
Authorities briefly detained a man following a traffic stop south of Tucson, but he was later released.
Nanos, a longtime law enforcement official who has led the sheriff’s office since 2015, says his team remains fully committed to solving the case as public pressure continues to mount.
Eighty-four-year-old Nancy Guthrie was reported missing from her Tucson-area home on Jan. 31. Since then, Nanos has held multiple press briefings, attempting to balance public transparency with protecting investigative details — an approach he admits hasn’t always landed smoothly.
“I’m not used to everyone hanging onto my every word,” Nanos told reporters, acknowledging the heightened scrutiny.
The sheriff has faced criticism over several decisions, including allowing Guthrie’s home to be returned to the family after investigators processed the scene. Before authorities resecured the property, journalists photographed what officials later confirmed were droplets of Guthrie’s blood near the front door.
He also drew backlash for attending a University of Arizona basketball game while the search was ongoing. Nanos defended the decision, saying investigators cannot work nonstop and he needed time to decompress.
The case entered its second week with investigators releasing surveillance video showing a masked person wearing a gun holster and backpack approaching Guthrie’s home. The footage does not show what happened to her or whether she is still alive.
Authorities briefly detained a man following a traffic stop south of Tucson, but he was later released.
Nanos, a longtime law enforcement official who has led the sheriff’s office since 2015, says his team remains fully committed to solving the case as public pressure continues to mount.
