Pima County officials say Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance was treated as potentially criminal from the start after officers reported the scene “didn’t look right.” Doorbell camera footage and a glove recovered near her Tucson home have generated leads, and investigators are re-analyzing DNA evidence. The FBI has offered $100,000 and the Guthrie family has offered $1 million for information. Authorities urge anyone with tips to contact the FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
Sheriff: Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Took a Criminal Turn After Scene 'Didn't Look Right' — DNA Re‑Analysis Brings Investigators Closer
Nancy Guthrie; aerial view of Nancy Guthrie's homeCredit: Savannah Guthrie/Instagram; Joe Raedle/Getty
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says investigators treated the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie as potentially criminal from the outset after officers at the scene reported it “didn’t look right.” The sheriff described the early exchange of texts that prompted homicide investigators to assume lead responsibility and launched a large, multi-agency search.
How the Investigation Unfolded
Nanos told PEOPLE he received an initial alert about a missing person around 2 p.m. on Feb. 1. Minutes later, he said, the chief sent another message: “doesn’t look right, something is wrong. We’re calling homicide.” Nanos explained that the homicide unit oversees missing-person investigations while search-and-rescue provides operational support.
The search produced several promising leads, including doorbell camera footage that appears to show an armed suspect near Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson residence and a glove recovered close to her home. Investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, forensic evidence and other tips as they work to identify suspects and determine what happened.
Man seen in Nest camera outside Nancy Guthrie's home the night of her disappearanceCredit: Pima County Sheriff's Department;
“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,” Nanos told PEOPLE. “How can we do more with what we have? And so that’s why I say it is — I think we’re getting closer.”
Family Pleas and Rewards
Nancy Guthrie’s three children — daughter Savannah, son Camron and daughter Annie — have publicly pleaded for help. In a Mother’s Day Instagram post, Savannah wrote: “We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you.”
The FBI has offered a $100,000 reward for information leading to Nancy’s return or to an arrest. The Guthrie family has announced a separate $1 million reward. Anyone with information is asked to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324) or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
The investigation remains active. Law enforcement continues to re-examine DNA and other forensic leads while following up on surveillance footage and public tips.
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