Sheriff Warns Suspect in Guthrie Case May Strike Again

Authorities believe they know the motive but are not sharing details publicly.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:10pm

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Forty days after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos warned that the person who took her may not be done and could "absolutely" strike again. Nanos said investigators believe they understand the motive but are not sharing the theory publicly, as they think others could still be at risk.

Why it matters

The Guthrie case remains short on answers, with her phone, Apple Watch, and doorbell camera gone from her home. Investigators are also looking into a possible power or internet disruption around the time she disappeared. The family is likely experiencing ambiguous loss, a difficult situation when a loved one vanishes with little trace.

The details

Authorities have recovered partial footage from a masked man with a gun and an incomplete DNA profile that doesn't match anyone in federal databases. They have ruled out a nearby utility box that may have been tampered with. A reward exceeding $1.2 million is being offered, and the family is urging anyone with information to call the FBI.

  • Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, vanished from her Tucson home 40 days ago.

The players

Chris Nanos

The Pima County Sheriff leading the search for Savannah Guthrie's missing mother.

Nancy Guthrie

Savannah Guthrie's 84-year-old mother who vanished from her Tucson home.

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What they’re saying

“Criminal minds are criminal minds”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (NBC)

“It would be wrong to assure residents they're not potential targets and that the perp could 'absolutely' strike again.”

— Chris Nanos, Pima County Sheriff (Fox News)

What’s next

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

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of missing persons investigations, where loved ones are left in a state of ambiguous loss, and authorities must balance informing the public with not compromising the investigation. The large reward and FBI involvement underscores the urgency to find answers and prevent further potential harm.