Arizona Sheriff’s Handling of Nancy Guthrie Case Restricts FBI Access to Key Evidence
TUCSON, Arizona — February 13, 2026: In the high‑profile investigation into the abduction of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie, law enforcement sources say a Pima County sheriff is reportedly blocking the FBI from accessing critical evidence, potentially slowing the federal agency’s ability to assist in the case. The unusual development reflects growing tension between local and federal responders as the search enters its second week.
According to a U.S. law enforcement official familiar with the probe, Sheriff Chris Nanos elected to send physical evidence — including a glove and DNA samples recovered from Guthrie’s home — to a long‑standing private laboratory in Florida rather than to the FBI’s national crime lab in Quantico, Virginia for testing. Investigators from the FBI had requested access to process these items at the federal facility, but the sheriff’s decision effectively denies the bureau direct access to evaluate them.
Officials cited by Reuters said outsourcing the analysis to the Florida lab has already delayed the FBI’s involvement and could impair its ability to contribute critical forensic insights such as DNA profiling and advanced forensic testing. The sheriff’s office has defended its approach by saying all viable evidence is being submitted for analysis, though it did not immediately respond to Reuters’ request for further comment.
The Guthrie case began when she was reported missing from her home near Tucson on January 31. Authorities believe she was taken against her will, citing her limited mobility and medical needs. A doorbell camera video showing a masked individual on Guthrie’s property shortly before her disappearance remains a central investigative lead.
Efforts to find Guthrie have involved local police, the FBI, and community volunteers, with over dozens of thousands of tips received from the public. The FBI has offered a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s return or to an arrest.
The decision by the sheriff to retain primary control over forensic processing — rather than allow federal analysis — has raised questions among federal sources about whether the quickest path to answers is being used. Critics argue that limiting FBI access to evidence could further delay an investigation that is already urgent and emotionally charged.
Here’s a brief timeline of the key developments in the Nancy Guthrie abduction case as of February 14, 2026:
Timeline: Nancy Guthrie Abduction Case
January 31, 2026
Nancy Guthrie, 84, mother of NBC Today host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen near her home in the Tucson, Arizona area.
She was reported missing the following day when she did not attend scheduled appointments. Authorities immediately began a search, noting her limited mobility and medical needs.
February 1–3, 2026
Local law enforcement, including the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, initiated searches around Guthrie’s home and neighborhood.
Initial tips and door-to-door canvassing began.
Doorbell camera footage captured a masked individual carrying a backpack near Guthrie’s residence.
February 4–6, 2026
Federal authorities, including the FBI, joined the investigation due to the suspicious circumstances and potential kidnapping angle.
DNA and other physical evidence, including gloves found on the property, were collected for analysis.
Public appeals for information were made, and the first tips started to flow in.
February 7–10, 2026
Reward of $100,000 announced for information leading to Guthrie’s safe return or an arrest.
Surveillance video of the masked individual became widely circulated to the public.
Authorities conducted additional searches in surrounding areas, including roadblocks and property sweeps.
February 11–12, 2026
Suspects questioned in connection with the case; no arrests made.
Law enforcement revealed the existence of DNA samples and forensic evidence that may be linked to the suspect(s).
Savannah Guthrie and family publicly appealed for leads and shared emotional messages about their mother’s safety.
February 13, 2026
Reports emerge that Pima County Sheriff blocked FBI access to key evidence, including gloves and DNA samples collected at Guthrie’s home, choosing instead to send them to a private laboratory in Florida.
Sources indicate the FBI’s involvement in direct forensic analysis is limited, raising questions about investigation efficiency.
February 14, 2026 (Current)
Search and investigation continue with FBI, local police, and community volunteers actively participating.
Officials continue to analyze DNA, surveillance footage, and public tips.
Public remains urged to provide any information that could help locate Nancy Guthrie.
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