Sheriff Clears Nancy Guthrie's Family in Disappearance

Case still treated as kidnapping despite reports, authorities say

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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The Pima County Sheriff's Office has cleared Nancy Guthrie's family members of any involvement in her disappearance 16 days ago, stating they have been '100 percent cooperative' in the investigation. Sheriff Chris Nanos said the case is still being treated as a kidnapping, pushing back on reports that it may have been a burglary gone wrong.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, a high-profile TV personality, has garnered national attention, with President Trump warning of severe consequences for the perpetrators. Clearing her family as suspects helps focus the investigation on finding Guthrie and identifying the actual kidnappers.

The details

Authorities said they have taken the family's phones, computers, and processed their vehicles and homes, but found no evidence implicating them. 'Not one single person in the family is a suspect,' Nanos told local media. The sheriff's office also stated they are not treating the case as a burglary gone wrong, contrary to some reports.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the night of January 31.
  • She was reported missing the next day, on February 1.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who stated the family has been cleared and the case is being treated as a kidnapping.

Savannah Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie's daughter and host of the Today show, who pleaded for her mother's safe return.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who warned of severe consequences for Nancy Guthrie's kidnappers.

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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)

“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 (New York Post)

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

— Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie's daughter, Today show host (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow any suspects out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of thorough investigations and not jumping to conclusions, especially when dealing with high-profile missing persons cases. The sheriff's clear statement that the family has been cleared as suspects helps focus the search on finding Nancy Guthrie and identifying the actual perpetrators.