Nancy Guthrie disappearance probe intensifies; sheriff cuts direct family contact

More than 100 days after 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home on Jan. 31, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said he is no longer communicating directly with Savannah Guthrie or other family members. All contact with the family is now routed through detectives and the FBI, which has taken over the liaison role.

The investigation continues to focus on forensic analysis. Advanced DNA testing has produced partial profiles that are being cross‑referenced with public genetic‑genealogy databases. Investigators have also logged thousands of hours of doorbell, traffic‑camera and private‑security footage, seeking to identify a masked man captured near the home and to build a vehicle‑movement timeline. Gloves found near the scene have not matched any DNA in the national database.

Rewards total more than $1 million from the family plus a $100 000 FBI bounty. No arrests have been made, and officials say the forensic work may still take considerable time. The sheriff faces public scrutiny, including a recent vote by the Pima County Board of Supervisors on his removal, which was rejected. Savannah Guthrie, co‑anchor of NBC’s "Today," continues to appeal for information and has offered the reward.

The case has attracted national media attention and occasional commentary from former FBI agents and digital‑forensics experts, who note the complexity and resource‑intensive nature of the investigation.