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Savannah Guthrie frustrated with Sheriff as Nancy case faces delays and FBI tension

Questions mount over forensic strategy and shifting suspect narratives in Arizona

Report claims Savannah Guthrie 'dismissed' Sheriff while investigation...
Report claims Savannah Guthrie 'dismissed' Sheriff while investigation remains at standstillAP Photo/Sejal GovindaraoLAPRESSE

The tape went back up outside the Tucson home. Thirteen days after Nancy Guthrie was allegedly abducted, authorities confirmed they still have zero confirmed leads.

The investigation, led by Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, has now expanded beyond the disappearance itself. Reports of tension between local law enforcement and the FBI, along with claims that Savannah Guthrie has distanced herself from the sheriff, have added another layer to an already urgent case.

According to reports, Nancy was last seen on January 31 after returning home from a family dinner. Within hours, she vanished. Authorities indicated signs of a violent incident at the scene but have not released detailed forensic specifics.

Sheriff Nanos confirmed in interviews with Fox News and KVOA that gloves recovered near the crime scene were sent to a private laboratory in Florida that contracts with his department rather than to the FBI's national forensic laboratory in Quantico, Virginia.

DNA testing choice and early crime scene release raise new questions

The FBI Quantico lab is widely regarded as one of the most advanced forensic facilities in the United States, according to official bureau information. Nanos defended the decision, stating that all DNA materials were consolidated for testing efficiency.

The crime scene was released less than 48 hours after Nancy disappeared. Days later, the FBI re-secured the residence with tape as agents continued processing the home and garage. That sequence has drawn criticism from some law enforcement analysts who argue that prolonged scene control can be crucial in suspected abductions.

Growing friction behind the investigation

RadarOnline.com reported that Savannah Guthrie allegedly texted Sheriff Nanos saying she "has her own people and didn't need him." Nanos repeated that claim in comments to Fox News. Guthrie has not publicly confirmed or denied the allegation, but she has issued several emotional appeals asking for the public's help.

"The FBI just wanted to send the one or two they found by the crime scene, closest to it - mile, mile and a half ... I said, 'No, why do that? Let's just send them all to where all the DNA exists, all the profiles and the markers exist.' They agreed, makes sense

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos

Federal insiders told multiple outlets that tension emerged between FBI agents and the Pima County Sheriff's Department. Sources described what they characterized as a jurisdictional dispute. Nanos pushed back, stating publicly, "There are no egos here. This is all about finding Nancy."

As of February 13, no arrests have been made and no suspects have been officially named.

Confusion over who saw Nancy Last

The investigation became more complicated after journalist Ashleigh Banfield reported that Nancy's son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, "may be the prime suspect," citing a confidential source.

Shortly afterward, Nanos told The New York Times that Cioni had driven Nancy home and watched her enter safely. He later clarified his comments and declined to identify the last person to see Nancy alive, stating only that it was a "relative."

"We don't hold information from anybody that's going to help us. Why would we do that? There are no egos here. This is all about finding Nancy...

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos

The shifting statements fueled public confusion about the timeline and investigative focus.

The investigation continues

Authorities maintain that collaboration between local and federal agencies remains active. Investigators continue analyzing forensic evidence and reviewing tips.

In high-profile abduction cases, early evidence handling decisions can shape public perception and investigative momentum. The involvement of the FBI typically brings expanded resources, national databases, and forensic expertise.

For now, Nancy Guthrie remains missing. The case is active, unresolved, and still without confirmed leads.

Public statements from Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos to Fox News and KVOA, reporting from RadarOnline.com, Daily Mail, The New York Times, and publicly available information from the FBI. Details reflect reporting available as of February 13.

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