Nancy Guthrie disappearance: Sheriff breaks silence on why ‘sensitive’ case is delayed

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie, 84, who disappeared from her home in Catalina Foothills on February 1 has taken a surprising twist as authorities treat the case as an abduction. While months into the search, law enforcement still has no suspect, but Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos emphasized that the case is “far from cold.”

Nanos said: “These cases are difficult," Nanos told 13 News. "It's not just this case — a number of these cases come to us where it requires a lot of work from other people."

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“It's not just [that] the detective goes out there, talks to somebody, and we can make an arrest,” he explained. “This is a very sensitive case, but what really makes it prolonged is we rely on lab results for the digital part of this case, which is very critical, labs for our DNA, which is also very critical.”

Nancy Guthrie is the mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, who has stepped away from her role at NBC following her mother’s disappearance.

The family has released social media videos pleading for proof of life and offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her safe return.

Sheriff Nanos underlines that the investigation is a "tedious process” moving at a “snail’s pace” due to a heavy reliance on two crucial and time-consuming elements.

At present, the FBI is actively exploring cutting-edge technology to analyze the digital components of the case. Investigations are waiting on critical lab results to ensure they pinpoint the correct suspect. 

Furthermore, public confidence fell as critics voiced concerns over accidental blunders in the proceedings.