United Cajun Navy Proposes Revised Search Plan for Nancy Guthrie
The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer search and rescue group that’s gained national recognition, is looking to change the Nancy Guthrie search strategy. They aim to secure the necessary approvals from local authorities.
In a related move, an independent journalist has initiated a petition urging Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos to support this effort.
“We want permission from the lead agency,” explained Josh Gill, an incident commander with UCN. He recalled being on-site in Tucson, Arizona, back in February but was unable to initiate a search. “I don’t think there’s any harm in this. It could bring some closure to families, communities, and even our nation.”
Recently, hair samples from Guthrie’s case were sent to the FBI for DNA analysis, according to sources.
Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home on February 1, 2026, shortly after returning from a family dinner. Notably, her daughter is Savannah Guthrie, a well-known co-host on “Today.”
A 41-page proposal submitted to the sheriff’s office shortly after the alleged kidnapping states that UCN will operate under the sheriff’s direction, without independent authority.
“We haven’t received any feedback on our submitted plans,” Gill shared. “We’re eager to collaborate with law enforcement to create a new strategy.”
Fragments of surveillance footage captured a masked individual at Guthrie’s door the following morning, with blood droplets found at the scene. Her back door was left ajar, and although no valuables were taken, her family had indicated a willingness to pay any ransom demand early in the investigation, but as of now, she has not been returned.
Authorities reported that hair samples taken from inside her home were sent to a private DNA lab in Florida for more detailed testing.
Initial search plans included daily grid searches from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., employing certified cadaver and tracking dogs, heat-sensing drones, and GPS-equipped volunteers in the areas surrounding local water sources.
The strategy also called for volunteer paramedics to be available for any potential injuries due to the terrain or weather.
Gill noted that the group is ready to handle media inquiries in coordination with the Pima County Sheriff’s Office.
He implied a strong collaborative spirit, saying, “We have a vast network and top talent. Let’s work together with the sheriff’s department to do our best.”
Suggested areas for search efforts include the surrounding desert, local drainage ditches referred to as “washes,” as well as remote regions and abandoned buildings. Searchers are preparing for tough conditions, like extreme heat, wildlife risks, and rugged landscapes, compounded by dark nights due to local lighting regulations.
The plan specifies that if volunteer searchers find any evidence, they should refrain from acting on it and instead report their findings to the sheriff’s office.
UCN has previously submitted similar plans for other operations to various law enforcement agencies across the country.
Cherise “Pebbles” Wilson, the independent journalist behind the petition, shared her personal connection, saying, “I lost my vulnerable grandmother several years ago, and the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie really resonates with me. It’s unsettling to think someone exploited such a kind, elderly woman.”
