TUCSON, Ariz. — In the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos clarified that no new individuals are being scrutinized, despite complications with mixed DNA samples from the 84-year-old’s residence. These samples are currently being processed at a lab utilized by his department.
“Regarding the leads and active fieldwork, I believe progress continues,” Nanos shared during an interview on “NBC Nightly News” which aired on Saturday.
The sheriff’s comments contradict reports from local enterprises that have claimed the FBI has shown them a list containing names and photographs.
Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home in the early hours of February 1, and the investigation is being pursued as a suspected kidnapping. Sheriff Nanos reiterated that no new suspects are currently being considered, citing technological hurdles with the DNA analysis.
The utility of the DNA evidence collected from Guthrie’s home remains uncertain. The samples are mixed, comprising DNA from multiple individuals, complicating their entry into national databases.
“Our lab has informed us of the challenges,” Nanos noted about the Florida lab being employed. “Technology is advancing rapidly, and they believe many of these issues could be resolved in the coming weeks, months, or possibly within a year.”
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos speaks to the media in Catalina, Ariz., Feb. 3, while answering questions about the search for Nancy Guthrie. (Jan Sonnenmair/Getty Images)
The sheriff noted that investigators were still working other avenues of the weeks-long probe into Guthrie’s abduction.
“I think we’re getting a little closer to identifying some of the other articles, not just that backpack. Like the shoes, the pants, the shirt or jacket,” he said.
Guthrie was last seen on the night of Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson.
“Today” host Savannah Guthrie, right, with her mother, Nancy Guthrie. (Don Arnold/WireImage)
“It’s never fast enough for the Sheriff,” Nanos said of the criticism of his office weeks after Gutherie’s disappearance, with no arrests made. “I want it like you. Come on, guys, let’s go. Let’s go, let us find her. But the reality is, I also know that sometimes things take time.”
“We’re not quitting,” he added. “We’ll find her.”
