The search for Nancy Guthrie continues to grip Tucson, Arizona, and Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is forcefully addressing questions surrounding the investigation. He directly refuted claims of a recovered glove at the Guthrie residence, stating unequivocally, “We have no glove. We never found a glove on that property.” This denial comes amidst intense scrutiny and speculation about crucial evidence in the case.
Sheriff Nanos vehemently pushed back against suggestions of friction between his department and the FBI, calling reports of reluctance to collaborate “absolutely crazy.” He emphasized the value of federal resources, asking, “Why would we be reluctant to get all the partners who have great resources and offer them to us?” Nanos insists a unified front is paramount in the search for Guthrie.
The Sheriff detailed the immediate involvement of the FBI, stating he contacted them the next working day after Guthrie’s disappearance. He described a seamless integration of teams, pointing out that federal agents are physically embedded within his department. “They sit right next to my FBI. Come to my office, and I’ll show you — they’re sitting right there with my team,” he asserted, highlighting their constant presence and dedication.
Regarding evidence handling, Nanos defended the decision to utilize a single, established private lab for analysis. He explained that the Guthrie family’s DNA markers and initial swabs were already submitted there, streamlining the process and avoiding potential complications. “Why split your evidence to two different labs that could create a conflict?” he questioned, advocating for efficiency and clarity.
Nanos clarified that the choice wasn’t a reflection of distrust in the FBI’s Quantico facility, acknowledging its capabilities and past collaborations. He simply stated, “We just started with this lab. It’s just that simple.” Both labs possess the necessary expertise, but maintaining a unified chain of evidence was the priority.
The FBI has taken the lead on analyzing the ransom notes, a decision Nanos fully supports. He deferred all commentary on that aspect of the investigation, stating, “It would be very inappropriate for me to comment on something that I told them to do.” Recognizing their specialized expertise, he trusts their handling of this critical element.
While acknowledging the consideration of all possibilities, Nanos stated authorities “believe it’s a kidnapping.” He emphasized the need to remain open-minded, but conceded the obvious direction of the investigation. Investigators are actively pursuing leads, but haven’t definitively ruled anyone out, maintaining flexibility in their approach.
Nanos also addressed criticism regarding the release of the crime scene, defending his team’s thorough evidence collection. He explained that all recoverable evidence was secured before the scene was cleared. “We remove the evidence, we swab evidence, we take evidence, and we go,” he stated, emphasizing their commitment to meticulous documentation.
He clarified that cleaning blood from the scene isn’t within the scope of law enforcement duties, focusing instead on evidence preservation. The continued presence of deputy vehicles outside the Guthrie home is solely at the family’s request, providing a sense of security. “They’ve asked, can we provide security, so nobody breaks into the home,” Nanos explained.
The investigation remains active and fluid, with authorities working tirelessly to uncover the truth behind Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. Sheriff Nanos’s statements underscore a commitment to collaboration, thoroughness, and a relentless pursuit of answers for the Guthrie family.
