Sheriff Provides Update on Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Investigation

Pima County sheriff says DNA evidence and video footage have not yet produced definitive leads.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos provided an update on the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC host Savannah Guthrie. While authorities have evidence such as DNA and video footage, Nanos said they have not yet identified a suspect. The sheriff stated they still believe Guthrie is alive and the investigation is ongoing.

Why it matters

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has garnered national attention due to her connection to TV personality Savannah Guthrie. The case highlights the challenges law enforcement can face in missing persons investigations, even when evidence is available, and the need for patience and diligence as they work to uncover the truth.

The details

Investigators have obtained video footage showing a car driving past a home in Guthrie's neighborhood around 2:36 a.m. on February 1, the day after she was last seen. However, Nanos said they have not been able to identify the significance of that vehicle. Authorities also have a backpack that was seen on an alleged suspect captured on a doorbell camera, but Nanos said it may have been purchased from somewhere other than the Walmart where it is exclusively sold. DNA evidence from Guthrie's home has also proven difficult to process due to a mixed sample that could be from multiple people.

  • Nancy Guthrie was last seen at her home in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson, Arizona on January 31, 2026.
  • The search for Guthrie has stretched into a second month since her disappearance.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County sheriff who provided an update on the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance.

Savannah Guthrie

The NBC host who is the daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.

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What they’re saying

“We still believe Nancy Guthrie is alive.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (NBC)

“There's so much that everybody wants to know, but I would be very neglectful and irresponsible, as a law enforcement leader, to share that with everybody. You can't. There is an investigation, there is a protocol to that effort.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (NBC)

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 the challenges law enforcement can face in missing persons investigations, even when evidence is available. Authorities are working diligently, but must balance the public's desire for answers with the need to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation.