Pima County detectives lack experience in Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case

Only one detective on the homicide squad has over two years of experience, sources say

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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According to sources, the Pima County Sheriff's Department homicide detectives investigating the alleged kidnapping of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie lack experience, with only one detective having more than two years in the role. The FBI has become increasingly involved in the case, but there were initial delays in local cooperation with federal investigators. Former FBI agent Jonathan Gilliam criticized the sheriff's leadership, saying the lack of experienced detectives points to "massive control issues" by the sheriff.

Why it matters

The investigation into Guthrie's disappearance is a high-profile case that requires experienced detectives to handle the complex details. The lack of homicide experience among the investigators raises concerns about the quality and thoroughness of the probe, which could impact the chances of finding Guthrie and bringing her captors to justice.

The details

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Guthrie was forcibly taken from her Tucson home on February 1. Sources told Fox News Digital that only one of the homicide detectives assigned to the case has more than two years of experience in that role, while the others are not rookies but have held different positions previously. The FBI has become more involved, even returning to Guthrie's home to collect cameras, but there were initial delays in local cooperation with federal investigators. Former FBI agent Jonathan Gilliam criticized the sheriff's leadership, saying the lack of experienced detectives points to "massive control issues" by the sheriff.

  • Nancy Guthrie was allegedly kidnapped from her Tucson home in the early morning hours of February 1, 2026.
  • The alleged ransom's final deadline in Guthrie's disappearance was Monday, February 10, 2026 at 5 p.m.

The players

Nancy Guthrie

An 84-year-old woman who was allegedly kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona residence on February 1, 2026.

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff who is leading the investigation into Guthrie's disappearance.

Jonathan Gilliam

A former FBI agent who criticized the sheriff's leadership and the lack of experienced detectives on the case.

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What they’re saying

“If the bulk of detectives that are placed on a high-profile case like this are inexperienced, it points to massive control issues by the sheriff himself. As is apparent from what I've seen of this sheriff, he himself should not be in the position he is in, let alone leading a team of investigators in a high pressure, fast moving scenario.”

— Jonathan Gilliam, Former FBI agent (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The lack of experienced homicide detectives leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's alleged kidnapping raises serious concerns about the quality and thoroughness of the probe, which could jeopardize the chances of finding her and bringing her captors to justice. This case highlights the importance of having seasoned investigators handle high-profile, complex criminal cases.