Guthrie Family Cleared as Suspects in Disappearance Case

Former FBI agents say clearing the family is a 'strong indicator of progress' in the investigation.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated that the Guthrie family, including all siblings and spouses, has been 'cleared as possible suspects' in the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie. Former FBI agents have said that this development indicates investigators are gaining more information and making progress in the case.

Why it matters

The clearing of the Guthrie family as suspects is significant, as it suggests the investigation is moving forward and focusing on other potential leads. This could provide some relief to the family, who have been cooperative throughout the process, and shift public attention to finding out what actually happened to Nancy Guthrie.

The details

According to Sheriff Nanos, the Guthrie family has been 'nothing but cooperative and gracious' during the investigation. Former FBI agents have explained that for investigators to clear the family, they likely have enough evidence to rule them out as suspects, such as alibis, lack of forensic evidence, and positive relationships with the victim. The search for the 84-year-old mother of Today show host Savannah Guthrie is now in its third week after she disappeared from her home near Tucson, Arizona.

  • The disappearance occurred between January 31 and February 1, 2026.
  • The Guthrie family was cleared as suspects on February 17, 2026.

The players

Chris Nanos

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

Steve Moore

A retired supervisory special agent with the FBI and CNN law enforcement contributor.

Jennifer Coffindaffer

A retired FBI agent who listed the standard factors that allow investigators to rule someone out as a suspect.

Savannah Guthrie

The Today show presenter and daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.

Sheryl McCollum

A crime scene investigator and forensic expert who believes Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is a 'revenge situation'.

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What they’re saying

“To be clear... The Guthrie family - to include all siblings and spouses - has been cleared as possible suspects in this case. The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (X)

“To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel. The Guthrie family are victims plain and simple... please, I'm begging you the media to honor your profession and report with some sense of compassion and professionalism.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (X)

“Alibi meaning unequivocal evidence they weren't there. Media scrub—Analysis of texts, emails, SM, Google searches proved negative for any nexus to Nancy's disappearance; DNA not at scene. Passed Polygraph; cooperated with search efforts that turned up negative; good relationship with victim; no evidence of contracting anyone to abduct Nancy.”

— Jennifer Coffindaffer, Retired FBI agent (Social media)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

The clearing of the Guthrie family as suspects is a significant development that suggests investigators are making progress in the case and shifting their focus to other potential leads. This could provide some relief to the family, who have been cooperative throughout the process, and allow the public to shift attention to finding out what actually happened to Nancy Guthrie.