Sheriff Investigating Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Faces $1.3M Lawsuit

Lawsuit alleges COVID-19 safety failures at Pima County Jail under Sheriff Chris Nanos

Mar. 13, 2026 at 4:34pm

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The sheriff's office investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie is facing an unrelated $1.35 million lawsuit from an inmate who alleges his life was put at risk due to a lack of COVID-19 precautions at the Pima County Jail. The lawsuit names Sheriff Chris Nanos and the Pima County Sheriff's Department as defendants.

Why it matters

The lawsuit comes as Sheriff Nanos and his department are in the national spotlight for their investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, which has yet to yield any suspects or persons of interest. The lawsuit could distract from or complicate the high-profile missing persons case.

The details

The lawsuit, filed on March 5, alleges that inmate Christopher Marx's life was put at risk because a deputy traveled between Marx's unit and another unit where an inmate was quarantined with COVID-19, without properly sanitizing between visits. The lawsuit seeks $1.35 million in damages from the sheriff's office and Sheriff Nanos.

  • The lawsuit was filed on March 5, 2026.
  • Nancy Guthrie disappeared on February 1, 2026.

The players

Christopher Marx

An inmate at the Pima County Jail who filed a $1.35 million lawsuit against the sheriff's office and Sheriff Chris Nanos.

Sheriff Chris Nanos

The sheriff of Pima County, Arizona, whose department is investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and is named as a defendant in the $1.35 million lawsuit.

Nancy Guthrie

A woman who went missing on February 1, 2026, sparking a high-profile investigation by the Pima County Sheriff's Department.

Savannah Guthrie

The daughter of Nancy Guthrie and a host on the 'Today' show, who has offered a $1 million reward for information leading to her mother's recovery.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

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.