Ashleigh Banfield Stands by Claim Nancy Guthrie's Son-in-Law Is Suspect

Banfield tells Dan Abrams her source maintains Tommaso Cioni is still a suspect in Guthrie's disappearance.

Feb. 12, 2026 at 11:15pm

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Ashleigh Banfield doubled down on her previous reporting that Nancy Guthrie's son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, was a 'prime suspect' in Guthrie's disappearance. During an interview with Dan Abrams, Banfield said her source has maintained that Cioni is still a suspect, despite the Pima County Sheriff's Department disputing her initial claim. Banfield cited details about the investigation, including the towing of Annie Guthrie's car, the alleged smashing of security cameras, and the presence of blood in the home, as evidence supporting her source's information.

Why it matters

Banfield's reporting has drawn significant scrutiny and criticism, with the Guthrie family reportedly exploring legal action against her. This case highlights the challenges and responsibilities journalists face when reporting on sensitive, ongoing investigations, particularly when their sources provide information that conflicts with official statements from law enforcement.

The details

Banfield said her source has stood by the reporting that Cioni was a suspect in the days after Guthrie's disappearance. She cited details like the towing of Annie Guthrie's car, the alleged smashing of security cameras, and the presence of blood in the home as evidence supporting her source's information. However, the Pima County Sheriff's Department has disputed Banfield's initial claim, stating they have not identified a suspect or person of interest in the case.

  • Banfield first reported Cioni was a suspect about a week and a half ago.
  • The Pima County Sheriff's Department disputed Banfield's claim shortly after her initial report.
  • Banfield stood by her reporting during an interview with Dan Abrams on Thursday.

The players

Ashleigh Banfield

A journalist who reported that Nancy Guthrie's son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, was a 'prime suspect' in Guthrie's disappearance.

Tommaso Cioni

Nancy Guthrie's son-in-law, who Banfield reported was a suspect in Guthrie's disappearance.

Dan Abrams

The founder of Mediaite, who interviewed Banfield about her reporting on the Guthrie case.

Pima County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that disputed Banfield's claim that Cioni was a suspect in the Guthrie disappearance.

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What they’re saying

“I can tell you that my source every day since has stood by that reporting. And that is the thinking as of the day after Mrs. Guthrie was reported missing.”

— Ashleigh Banfield

“While we appreciate the public's concern, the sharing of unverified accusations or false information is irresponsible and does not assist the investigation.”

— Pima County Sheriff's Department

What’s next

Investigators reportedly conducted a second search of Cioni and Annie Guthrie's home last Saturday, indicating the investigation is ongoing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges journalists face when reporting on sensitive, ongoing investigations, particularly when their sources provide information that conflicts with official statements from law enforcement. It underscores the importance of verifying information and the potential consequences of publishing unverified claims.