With rising concerns regarding Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos’ response to the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, insiders report that his management choices initially caused his most seasoned investigator to step away from the case. At the time of Guthrie’s reported kidnapping, there was only one detective on the homicide unit with more than three years of experience, while the five others had less than two years each. The sergeant in charge of the unit had just six months of experience as a sergeant and had never worked on a homicide personally.
Another homicide detective, who had less than a year of experience, had been reassigned. Additionally, at least two veteran detectives were removed from Nanos’ leadership team due to supposed “unfavorable terms,” and they were reassigned to the cold case department.
Nanos later brought one of these experienced detectives into the investigation when it transitioned into a task force in late February. This task force, comprising county detectives and FBI agents, operates separately from the initial homicide unit that was assigned to the case.
As for Guthrie, her whereabouts remain unclear. Despite this, Nanos has expressed hope that she could still be alive, previously stating that “anything is possible.” Homicide detectives were involved almost from the start of the case.
Joseph Giacalone, a former NYPD sergeant and criminal justice professor, mentioned that the lack of experience among the current team isn’t necessarily detrimental. He pointed out that there are experienced detectives available who could assist. He also highlighted that given the proximity of Phoenix and Tucson, help could have been sought to enhance their efforts.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has not responded to requests for comments. A spokesperson noted that while experience is important, it can be compensated through proper guidance and training.
During the early stages of the search, the county deputies’ union criticized Nanos’ staffing decisions, arguing that those choices delayed the deployment of a high-tech rescue plane, which was instead assigned to routine tasks. One source expressed that Nanos creates an environment of fear within the department, making an example of those he perceives as disloyal. “It might sound exaggerated, but that’s the reality,” they added.
As of now, Guthrie’s whereabouts are still unknown, and two months since her disappearance, Nanos reiterated that homicide detectives were involved from the beginning. Meanwhile, the county Board of Supervisors has brought in outside counsel to handle allegations of perjury against Nanos concerning a deposition related to a First Amendment lawsuit initiated by one of his deputies. They plan to invite him to a public hearing for questioning.
Guthrie was believed to have been taken from her home in the Catalina Foothills around February 1st. Notably, blood spatter was found leading from her front door to the end of the driveway, although officials reported no signs of a struggle inside. Savannah Guthrie, her daughter and “Today” show co-host, shared in her first interview since her mother’s disappearance that the back door was found wide open.
DNA testing so far hasn’t led to the identification of any suspects. Disturbing surveillance footage captured a masked man at Guthrie’s front door the morning of her abduction and the evening of January 11th. The family is urging anyone with information related to this incident to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI.
