Nancy Guthrie Missing: More Arrests Likely as Search Intensifies

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Thursday that additional detentions are likely as the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, continues. The announcement came after authorities detained and later released a 36-year-old man earlier this week in connection with the case.

Guthrie, 84, was reported missing 12 days ago after failing to appear at a friend’s home for a church service. Authorities have confirmed she left her Tucson home without her necessary medication, raising concerns about her well-being.

Sheriff Nanos told 13 News that the release of footage from a Nest camera positioned outside Guthrie’s residence generated approximately 4,000 new leads within a 24-hour period. Investigators are currently working to process the influx of information.

On Wednesday, a search focused on roadways in the foothills north of Tucson yielded the discovery of a black glove roughly 1.5 miles from Guthrie’s home. The glove is undergoing DNA analysis, though authorities have not yet confirmed whether It’s connected to the case, sources reported.

Savannah Guthrie posted a personal message on Instagram Thursday, sharing a video of herself and her children picking flowers with her mother years ago. The caption read, “Our lovely mom. We will never give up on her. Thank you for your prayers and hope.”

The investigation has faced scrutiny in recent days. The man detained Tuesday was released hours after being questioned and a search of his family’s home did not uncover Nancy Guthrie. A Sheriff’s Department spokesperson stated the detention was “part of follow-up on incoming leads.”

Sheriff Nanos has faced criticism for attending a University of Arizona basketball game last weekend while the search for Guthrie was underway. Dr. Matt Heinz, a member of the Pima County government board, called the decision “not a fine look,” according to reporting from KJZZ.

Nanos acknowledged to the Associated Press that he is unaccustomed to the level of public attention surrounding the case. He also admitted to a misstep in relinquishing Guthrie’s home to her family before a thorough forensic examination, which allowed journalists to photograph blood droplets at the scene.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department continues to investigate, with no immediate timeline for further developments.