The United Cajun Navy, a volunteer search and rescue organization known for rapid response, stands ready to adapt its meticulously crafted search plan for Nancy Guthrie, hoping to gain the approval of local authorities. Their offer comes as the search for the missing woman, and mother of “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie, remains shrouded in uncertainty.
An independent journalist has launched a petition directly appealing to Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, urging him to authorize the Cajun Navy’s involvement. The plea underscores a growing frustration with the stalled investigation and a desire for any potential lead to be pursued.
Josh Gill, an incident commander with the UCN, expressed his team’s eagerness to collaborate. “We want permission from the lead agency,” he stated, emphasizing the potential for a breakthrough. “I don't think there would be any harm, I think it would be one step closer to providing some closure.”
Gill submitted a detailed, 41-page plan shortly after Guthrie’s disappearance in the early hours of February 1st, following a visit with her daughter. The plan explicitly states the UCN would operate solely under the sheriff’s command, possessing no independent authority.
Despite submitting the plan, Gill reports no communication from the sheriff’s department. He remains open to revisions, stating a willingness to “develop a new plan with law enforcement” to overcome any obstacles.
The investigation centers around unsettling evidence: fragments of surveillance video depicting a masked figure at Guthrie’s door, and blood drops discovered the following morning. Her back door was found ajar, yet nothing of value was taken, ruling out simple robbery.
Early in the investigation, the family responded to a ransom demand, but Guthrie has not been located. The circumstances suggest a targeted abduction, deepening the mystery and fueling the urgency of the search.
The UCN’s initial plan encompassed a comprehensive approach, utilizing certified cadaver dogs over land and near local waterways, a scent-tracking canine, heat-detecting drones, and a systematic grid search conducted by GPS-tracked volunteers. The search would run daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Recognizing the challenging terrain, the plan also included volunteer EMTs on standby to address potential injuries from the harsh environment and extreme heat. Safety was paramount in their proposed operation.
To avoid complicating the official investigation, the UCN proposed deferring all media inquiries to the Pima County Sheriff's Department, streamlining communication and ensuring a unified message. Their goal was seamless integration with existing law enforcement efforts.
The proposed search area included the rugged desert surrounding Tucson, a network of drainage ditches known as “washes,” remote access points, and abandoned structures. Searchers prepared for extreme conditions, including intense heat, dangerous wildlife, and uneven ground.
The plan outlined a strict protocol: any evidence discovered by volunteers would be immediately reported to the sheriff’s department without being touched, preserving the integrity of the investigation. This demonstrated a commitment to following established procedures.
The United Cajun Navy has successfully implemented similar search plans in collaboration with law enforcement agencies across the country, bringing their expertise and resources to bear in numerous missing persons cases.
Cherise “Pebbles” Wilson, the journalist behind the petition, shared a deeply personal connection to the case. Having experienced the loss of her own grandmother, she felt compelled to act, stating, “Knowing that somebody took advantage of a loving lady…is really disturbing.”
Wilson’s petition reflects a growing public sentiment – a desperate hope that every possible avenue is explored in the search for Nancy Guthrie, and a belief that the Cajun Navy’s expertise could be invaluable in bringing her home.
