In a poignant interview with PEOPLE, Sheriff Chris Nanos of Pima County has shed light on the ongoing investigation into the mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman who went missing from her home in Tucson, Arizona, over three months ago. As the search continues beyond the 100-day mark, Sheriff Nanos expressed his belief that the case is progressing, with law enforcement working diligently to unravel the circumstances surrounding her vanishing.
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Beginning on February 1, Sheriff Nanos received a notification regarding an elderly woman’s disappearance, but it quickly escalated to something more concerning. He described receiving a subsequent message shortly after the initial alert, stating, “the scene of disappearance doesn’t look right; something is wrong. We’re calling homicide.” This early assessment prompted the involvement of the homicide unit, which treats missing person cases with a level of seriousness typically reserved for potential foul play.
As the inquiry unfolded, a significant multi-agency search was launched, drawing in numerous resources and personnel. Among the findings were leads that included footage from a doorbell camera that captured an armed suspect, as well as a glove discovered in proximity to Guthrie’s home. Sheriff Nanos affirmed the commitment of the investigation team, saying, “Every day our DNA labs are working with our investigators, and they’re coming up with different ideas and different thoughts of how to help them make this DNA work for us. How can we do more with what we have? And so that’s why I say we are getting closer.”
The emotional toll on Nancy’s family has been palpable. Her children, including notable television journalist Savannah Guthrie, have reached out to the public with heartfelt appeals. In a Mother’s Day post, Savannah vowed to keep searching, stating, “We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you.” Such sentiments highlight the personal anguish felt by the Guthrie family in light of their mother’s disappearance.
To incentivise information that could lead to a breakthrough in the case, both the FBI and the Guthrie family have offered substantial rewards. The FBI has committed $100,000 for tips that could lead to Nancy’s safe return or an arrest, while her family has announced a remarkable $1 million reward to encourage anyone with knowledge of her whereabouts to come forward. These efforts demonstrate both the urgency of the investigation and the family’s desperation for answers.
As the investigation progresses, Sheriff Nanos remains optimistic, hinting at developments that may soon unfold. “I think we’re getting closer,” he stated, underscoring the continuous efforts being made by investigators. The collaborative work with DNA analysis offers hope amid the uncertainty of the case.
Authorities are urging anyone with information regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance to step forward. They can reach out to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900 or contact the FBI directly at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324). Each piece of information, no matter how small, could play a crucial role in solving this troubling mystery.
The investigation remains open and active, with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department promising to keep the public informed as new details surface. Nancy Guthrie’s family and the community have rallied in solidarity, all hoping for a safe resolution to this heartbreaking situation.