Pima County Sheriff Faces Scrutiny Over Handling of Nancy Guthrie Case

Experienced homicide detectives were initially pulled from the investigation, sources say

Apr. 2, 2026 at 3:41pm

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As questions mount about Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos' handling of the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, two sources with knowledge of the department say his management decisions initially pulled the most experienced investigators off the case. Only one detective had more than three years on the homicide squad at the time of Guthrie's suspected abduction, while the other five had less than two years of experience. The sergeant supervising them had zero homicide experience.

Why it matters

The lack of experienced homicide detectives on the case has raised concerns about the initial investigation and the sheriff's leadership. Guthrie's whereabouts remain unknown more than two months after her suspected abduction, and the case has garnered national attention due to her daughter's role as co-host of the 'Today' show.

The details

According to the sources, at least two seasoned homicide detectives had already been sidelined because they were not 'favored' by Nanos' leadership team and were sent to the cold case division. The sheriff later brought one of them into the Guthrie investigation after it went into a task force phase in late February, which includes county detectives and FBI agents. Nanos has publicly maintained optimism that Guthrie could still be alive, but homicide detectives have been part of the case since the first week.

  • Guthrie was suspected to have been abducted from her home in the Catalina Foothills in the early morning hours of February 1, 2026.
  • The task force, consisting of county detectives and FBI agents, was formed in late February 2026.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who has faced criticism over his handling of the Nancy Guthrie investigation.

Savannah Guthrie

The daughter of Nancy Guthrie and co-host of the 'Today' show, who has spoken publicly about her mother's disappearance.

Joseph Giacalone

A retired NYPD sergeant and former professor of criminal justice who commented on the lack of experienced homicide detectives on the case.

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What they’re saying

“There are other experienced detectives that should be helping. But also, [Nanos] has two major cities within striking distance, Phoenix and Tucson, who he could've asked for some assistance to come in and share their experience and knowledge with his people.”

— Joseph Giacalone, Retired NYPD sergeant and former professor of criminal justice

“You have to understand, he terrorizes the entire department and makes examples out of anyone even perceived to be disloyal. I know that sounds hyperbolic. It is not.”

— Anonymous source, With knowledge of the Pima County Sheriff's Department

What’s next

The Pima County Board of Supervisors has hired outside legal counsel to guide them on how to respond to allegations that Sheriff Chris Nanos perjured himself during a deposition in a First Amendment lawsuit brought against him by one of his own deputies. The board plans to bring Nanos into a hearing and demand he answers questions.

The takeaway

The lack of experienced homicide detectives initially assigned to the Nancy Guthrie investigation has raised serious concerns about the Pima County Sheriff's leadership and the handling of this high-profile missing persons case. The sheriff's decisions to sideline seasoned investigators and the allegations of perjury further undermine public confidence in the department's ability to effectively investigate this case and bring closure to the Guthrie family.