The search for Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old woman, is ongoing in southern Arizona. Authorities have indicated there’s no current evidence suggesting she was taken into Mexico, despite the complexities that often arise in such cases near the border. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos mentioned that investigators have found no leads pointing to her being transported south.
Nanos, speaking to Fox News, noted the FBI has looked into the case, but they too have found nothing indicating a connection to Mexico. “We know what Mexico has to do with this,” he said, “but there’s really nothing to suggest that.”
While the sheriff insists there’s no proof linking the disappearance to Mexico, Jason Pack, a former FBI Supervisory Special Agent, highlighted that federal protocols for cross-border incidents can still be activated without confirmed evidence. He pointed out that when a disappearance happens close to the border, certain procedures kick in almost automatically.
Pack added that the FBI maintains liaisons at the southern border who collaborate with Mexican law enforcement without waiting for formal investigations to initiate. This direct coordination is intended to streamline responses to incidents occurring in the border region.
However, it’s essential to note that while the absence of evidence in the case doesn’t imply that nothing happened, it’s still not considered a reason to rule out any possibilities. Pack clarified that, in investigations like this, “the absence of evidence is not the same as evidence of absence.” With geographic proximity and a missing person, both criteria are being met in this situation.
Pack also mentioned that should credible evidence of cross-border activities arise, official cooperation would come through the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT), allowing for requests to preserve evidence or conduct interviews in Mexico.
As of now, investigators are following every available lead, and although there is no indication that Guthrie entered Mexico, the established protocols are key to handling cases like this. The investigation continues steadily.
Timeline of Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance:
January 31, 2026
Between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. — Family drops Nancy off at her home.
9:50 p.m. — Garage door closes, according to authorities.
February 1, 2026
1:47 a.m. — Doorbell camera goes offline.
2:12 a.m. — Surveillance footage picks up movement.
2:28 a.m. — Pacemaker disconnects from its phone app.
11:56 a.m. — Family checks on Nancy when she misses a weekly church livestream.
12:03 p.m. — 911 call is made.
12:15 p.m. — Sheriff’s deputies arrive at her home.
