Arizona Sheriff Denies Withholding Key Evidence from FBI in Guthrie Abduction Case
Security forces and authorities are continuing their intensive work at the residence of Nancy Guthrie in Tucson, Arizona, as the search for the missing 84-year-old mother of NBC Today show host Savannah Guthrie nears two weeks. The investigation, which began after Nancy was reported missing on February 1, has seen forensic teams meticulously combing the area, with recent activities including the erection of a privacy tent over the doorstep where blood traces were found.
Sheriff Pushes Back on Accusations of Evidence Withholding
Chris Nanos, the Pima County Sheriff leading the investigation, forcefully denied accusations on Friday that he had withheld crucial forensic evidence from the FBI. According to an unnamed FBI source who spoke to Reuters, Nanos was accused of bypassing federal analysts by sending evidence, including DNA samples and gloves recovered near the home, to a private lab in Florida instead. The source warned this could slow the urgent case, where a masked suspect captured on video remains at large.
However, Nanos told Tucson NBC News affiliate KVOA that he was actually trying to expedite the inquiry. He explained that multiple pairs of gloves were found during the search, and he opted to send them all to the same Florida facility already examining other evidence, rather than splitting them between labs. "Actually, the FBI just wanted to send the one or two gloves they found by the crime scene, closest to it, mile, mile and a half," Nanos said. "I said, 'No, why do that? Let's just send them all to where all the DNA exist, all the profiles and the markers exist.' They agreed, makes sense."
Growing Frustration and New Developments in the Investigation
The report of agency division reflects mounting frustration as the investigation enters its 13th day with limited progress. Splashes of blood on the front porch were early identified as matching Nancy Guthrie, adding to the mystery that has traumatized the Guthrie family and captivated public attention. In recent developments, the FBI released new details about the suspect, described as having an average build and standing approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, seen with a black Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack.
Authorities have increased the reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction to $100,000. The Pima County Sheriff's Office reported receiving over 4,000 tips in just 24 hours after the FBI released video and photographs of the suspect, bringing the total to more than 13,000 tips overall. Investigators have also requested any video footage from a 2-square-mile radius around the Guthrie residence taken between January 1 and February 2.
Uncorroborated Ransom Notes and Family Appeals
Adding to the intrigue, investigators have revealed little about uncorroborated ransom notes received by several Arizona television stations and TMZ, demanding cryptocurrency for Nancy Guthrie's release or information. Savannah Guthrie has been vocal in her appeals, posting on social media a succession of videos pleading for help and expressing the family's desperation. In a recent post on Thursday, she shared old home videos, writing, "Our lovely mom. We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope."
Earlier this week, officials released a delivery driver detained at a traffic stop south of Guthrie's home after questioning him overnight. As the search continues, agents were seen driving away with equipment labeled "video forensics" and what appeared to be a laser measuring device, indicating ongoing forensic analysis at the scene.
