Former FBI Agent Criticizes Sheriff's Remarks on Nancy Guthrie Case

Investigator says sheriff's comments about being "definitely getting closer" to a suspect are "unhelpful" and could deter public tips.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A former FBI intelligence analyst has criticized the Pima County Sheriff's comments about the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. The former agent, Jennifer Doebler, said Sheriff Chris Nanos' claim that investigators were "definitely getting closer" to identifying a suspect was "unhelpful" and could cause the public to stop supporting the search or looking for the perpetrators.

Why it matters

The high-profile nature of the case and the public's interest in helping to find Nancy Guthrie mean that law enforcement should be careful not to release information that could discourage tips or public engagement. Doebler, with her extensive FBI experience, argues that Nanos' comments were atypical and could backfire.

The details

Doebler, who worked 13 years at the FBI, said Nanos' "nebulous update" was out of the ordinary for law enforcement officials. She said a breakthrough in the case could come from a public tip, especially if the perpetrators make a mistake, and that law enforcement should avoid doing anything to "preclude tips from coming in." Doebler believes the DNA evidence and surveillance footage are the most significant pieces of evidence so far, indicating a "struggle" in Guthrie's home, and that the masked suspect likely had some competence to avoid leaving other evidence.

  • The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is now in its second month, since she was last seen on January 31.

The players

Jennifer Doebler

A former FBI intelligence analyst who specialized in intelligence collection and analysis during her 13-year career at the FBI.

Chris Nanos

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

Savannah Guthrie

The co-anchor of NBC's Today show and the daughter of the missing Nancy Guthrie.

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What they’re saying

“Unfortunately, a statement like this is unhelpful. Releasing any information that could cause the public to stop supporting the hunt (or stop looking for) for the perpetrators is not the right move.”

— Jennifer Doebler, Former FBI Intelligence Analyst (Newsweek)

“To say, 'we are definitely getting closer' with no ask of the public appears out of the ordinary in my opinion.”

— Jennifer Doebler, Former FBI Intelligence Analyst (Newsweek)

“It is important to keep in mind that you don't want to do anything to preclude tips from coming in. Leading people to believe that tips don't matter would be unwise.”

— Jennifer Doebler, Former FBI Intelligence Analyst (Newsweek)

What’s next

The former FBI agent believes investigators are likely focusing on processing DNA evidence, tracing the origins of the backpack and clothing worn by the masked suspect, and questioning confidential sources in the Tucson area. The challenges cited by Sheriff Nanos in processing the DNA evidence indicate a potential "struggle" within Nancy Guthrie's residence.

The takeaway

This case highlights the delicate balance law enforcement must strike between providing updates to the public and avoiding statements that could discourage valuable tips and public engagement. Experienced investigators like the former FBI agent warn that premature or vague updates can backfire, especially in high-profile missing persons cases where public support is crucial.