Pima County Sheriff Disputes FBI Evidence Access Claims in Kidnapping Case
According to U.S. law enforcement officials, the Pima County Sheriff, Chris Nanos, has impeded the FBI’s access to crucial evidence in the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case. The allegation is that this restriction is hindering the FBI’s ability to aid the investigation effectively.
The FBI requested that physical evidence—including gloves and DNA samples taken from the 84-year-old victim’s residence—be processed at its National Crime Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. However, Sheriff Nanos opted for a private lab in Florida instead, thereby complicating matters, as reported by sources familiar with the situation.
One law enforcement official remarked that this decision “risks further delaying the progress of an increasingly urgent case.”
While Nanos didn’t respond to direct inquiries, he did address the situation in an interview with KVOA-TV, stating that the FBI had agreed with his choice to send the evidence to a lab with which his office has a longstanding relationship.
Nonetheless, according to sources, the decision is causing delays in the FBI’s ability to assist with various investigations. Nanos countered these claims by stating they are “far from the truth” and explained his rationale in the KVOA interview. He emphasized that sending all evidence containing DNA and profiles made more sense than having just one or two FBI agents involved.
In a daily update, the sheriff’s office mentioned that various items of evidence, including gloves, have been recovered and all viable evidence is being sent for analysis. The primary responsibility for the case lies with the Pima County Sheriff’s Office, and any FBI assistance must formally be requested by the county. The county has already allocated around $200,000 for evidence processing in Florida.
As concerns emerge regarding any “early setbacks” in the investigation, an official pointed out the risk of further slowdowns as the search for Guthrie continues. The case is now in its 12th day.
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31, when her family dropped her at home after dinner. A relative reported her missing the following day. Authorities concluded that, due to her frail mobility, Guthrie likely faced forcible abduction.
DNA tests soon confirmed that the blood found on her front door belonged to her, highlighting her desperate health condition. Additionally, reports have emerged mentioning at least two ransom notes sent to news organizations, but there haven’t been any new leads regarding her wellbeing.
In a public plea, her children, including NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, have made emotional video appeals for their mother’s safe return, even indicating a willingness to negotiate ransom terms.
Footage from a doorbell camera shows a ski-masked individual trying to interfere with the recording around the time Guthrie was abducted. Law enforcement believes facial recognition analysis may be applied to create a composite sketch of the suspect.
Authorities have announced the recovery of black latex gloves found discarded on the roadside, which are currently undergoing forensic examination. The FBI has doubled its reward, now offering $100,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s location or the capture of a suspect in her kidnapping.
