Pima County Sheriff Defends Handling of Nancy Guthrie Case

Sheriff Chris Nanos addresses social media claims about his team's investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Feb. 19, 2026 at 12:15pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In a one-on-one interview, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos defended his department's handling of the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, a Tucson woman who was last seen on January 31. Nanos said his team of experienced investigators spent about 20 hours processing the crime scene before releasing it, and he pushed back against social media claims that his department is not getting along with the FBI on the case.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has garnered significant public attention and scrutiny, with many in the community closely following the investigation. Sheriff Nanos' comments aim to address concerns and rumors surrounding the case, emphasizing his department's expertise and collaboration with federal authorities.

The details

Sheriff Nanos stated that his team of investigators and forensic experts, who have solved hundreds if not thousands of cases, processed the crime scene at Guthrie's home for about 20 hours before releasing it. He pushed back against social media claims that his department is not getting along with the FBI, saying the two agencies have always worked well together on this case. Nanos also urged the public to continue submitting any tips, no matter how small, to aid the investigation.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31 at 9:45 p.m. when her daughter dropped her off at her Catalina Foothills home in Tucson.
  • Sheriff Nanos' interview with ABC15's Ford Hatchett took place on February 17, 2026.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff, who is leading the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Nancy Guthrie

A Tucson woman who was last seen on January 31 at her home in the Catalina Foothills.

Ford Hatchett

An ABC15 reporter who conducted the one-on-one interview with Sheriff Nanos.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have a team of investigators and a forensic team that process crime scenes all the time, have done so for decades. They have solved hundreds if not thousands of cases. They're my experts. I have to rely on them.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (kgun9.com)

“I'll put their solvency rate against anybody in the nation in terms of those difficult crimes, homicides.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (kgun9.com)

“The most important thing is for people to submit tips, no matter how small they may feel.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (kgun9.com)

What’s next

The Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI continue to work together on the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, and they are urging the public to submit any tips that could aid the case.

The takeaway

This interview highlights the Pima County Sheriff's Department's confidence in its investigative team and its commitment to solving the complex case of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, despite social media rumors and public scrutiny. The sheriff's emphasis on the importance of public tips underscores the community's crucial role in helping to find answers.