The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie reached six months with no publicly named suspects or confirmed whereabouts. President Trump said on Aug. 2 that the FBI is "involved to an extent" but that local authorities "really run" such cases. Investigators released doorbell footage of a masked figure and sent DNA to the FBI lab in Quantico; at least two ransom notes — including a $4 million cryptocurrency demand — have been reported. A Wall Street Journal article criticized the Pima County Sheriff's response, which Sheriff Chris Nanos has disputed; the FBI says it has provided assistance at the state's request.
Six Months Later: Nancy Guthrie Still Missing as Trump, FBI and Local Officials Face Questions
Nancy Guthrie and Donald Trump - Savannah Guthrie Instagram; Aaron Schwartz / AFP via Getty Images
The investigation into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie reached the six-month mark last week with few public leads and mounting questions about the response from local and federal authorities.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Aug. 2, President Donald Trump was asked whether it was "time for the FBI to get involved." He said the FBI was "involved to an extent," but emphasized that "the local community really runs those things." He added, "Some people haven't liked the way the local communities run it. They haven't liked the way the sheriff's run it. But we would like to give them the benefit… We're there anytime they need us." "It's a terrible thing," he concluded.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Tucson, Arizona, home on Feb. 1. Authorities believe she was abducted. Investigators have released doorbell-camera footage that appears to show a masked suspect, and DNA evidence has been sent to the FBI laboratory in Quantico for analysis, but no suspects have been publicly identified.
At least two ransom notes are believed to have been sent to those involved in the crime: the first demanded $4 million in cryptocurrency, while a subsequent letter claimed Nancy had died and was "buried in nature." Investigators have neither confirmed nor ruled out the authenticity of the notes publicly.
Questions About the Local Response
A recent Wall Street Journal report raised concerns about the early handling of the case by the Pima County Sheriff's Department, alleging that deputies initially downplayed the significance of dried blood on Guthrie's front porch, did not adequately secure the crime scene, and allowed journalists and delivery drivers access to the property. The report also said a search-and-rescue aircraft remained grounded until later in the day because no trained deputy was available to operate it.
Sheriff Chris Nanos disputed the WSJ account, telling the outlet, "I can assure everybody that we are working hard every day with all of our partners," and noting that "corporate America [which has] offered up some assistance with some of the brightest minds in this country." He reiterated, "This case is not cold."
The Wall Street Journal piece also noted criticism of FBI director Kash Patel, who had publicly said the FBI would take an active leadership role. The FBI, however, issued a statement saying, "The state is the lead in this investigation, has always been the lead. The FBI has met every assistance request asked of us, even when requests came late."
As the case enters a sixth month with no confirmed whereabouts or arrests, law enforcement continues to follow leads. Authorities ask anyone with relevant information to contact the Pima County Sheriff's Office or the appropriate tip line. The investigation remains ongoing.
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