Pima County Sheriff Clears Nancy Guthrie's Family in Disappearance

Law enforcement says the case is still being treated as a kidnapping, despite media reports to the contrary.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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The Pima County Sheriff's Department has cleared Nancy Guthrie's close family members of any involvement in her disappearance 16 days ago, stating they have been "100 percent cooperative" and are not suspects. The sheriff said law enforcement has processed the family's phones, computers, vehicles, and homes, and emphasized that "not one single person in the family is a suspect." The department also pushed back on reports that her disappearance is being treated as a burglary gone awry, reiterating that they believe it is a kidnapping case.

Why it matters

The Guthrie family has faced intense media scrutiny and speculation since Nancy's disappearance, with some reports suggesting they may have been involved. This statement from the sheriff's department aims to clear their name and allow the investigation to focus on finding Nancy and her alleged kidnappers, rather than getting sidetracked by unfounded rumors.

The details

The Pima County Sheriff's Department said they took the Guthrie family's phones, computers, and processed their vehicles and homes as part of the investigation. They emphasized that the family has been "100 percent cooperative" and that "not one single person in the family is a suspect." The department also pushed back on reports that the disappearance is being treated as a burglary gone wrong, stating "we believe it's a kidnapping."

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of January 31 and was reported missing the next day.
  • It has been 16 days since Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who stated the Guthrie family has been cleared and is not involved in Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Nancy Guthrie

The woman who went missing 16 days ago, whose disappearance is being treated as a kidnapping case by law enforcement.

Savannah Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie's daughter and host of the Today show, who said the family still has hope that their mother is alive.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who stated that if Nancy Guthrie is not returned alive, her kidnappers would face "very, very severe" consequences, including the death penalty.

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What they’re saying

“Not one single person in the family is a suspect. Effective today, you guys need to knock it off. Quit. People are hurting -- they are victims.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (WLBT-13 News)

“We believe it's a kidnapping.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (Fox News)

“It's never too late to do the right thing.”

— Savannah Guthrie (Instagram)

“If Nancy Guthrie is not returned alive that her kidnappers would face "very, very severe" consequences, which he clarified to mean the death penalty.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (New York Post)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.