Sheriff gives update on leads in Nancy Guthrie case, says he believes she may have been ‘targeted'
Mar 14, 2026
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos shared the latest on the Nancy Guthrie case, including whether he believes the attack may have been targeted, as the search for Savannah Guthrie’s mother entered its 41st day.
Nanos spoke with NBC News correspondent Liz Kreutz on TODAY March 13 about the most rec
ent developments as the local community in Tucson, Arizona, continues to show its support for the Guthrie family. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the FBI tip line at 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Here’s the latest.
The search for the masked person at Nancy Guthrie’s home
Investigators continue to try to identify a person seen on doorbell camera video in front of Nancy Guthrie’s home wearing a ski mask, backpack and holster on the night she disappeared.
Kreutz asked Nanos if it’s possible the suspect could strike again.
“Well, absolutely, absolutely,” he said. “I mean, you know, criminal minds are criminal minds.”
Investigators developing a theory for a motive
Nanos addressed whether investigators think they know why Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home outside Tucson. She was reported missing by family on Feb. 1.
“We believe we know why he did this, and we believe that it was targeted, but we can’t — we’re not 100% sure of that, and so it’d be silly to tell people, ‘Yeah, don’t worry about it. You’re not his target.’ No, you could be,” he said.
The FBI has not commented on any potential motive for the suspect.
Investigators are still working to identify mixed DNA found at crime scene
Authorities are still working to process mixed DNA found at Nancy Guthrie’s property. Nanos has hope that it will lead to a match.
“Absolutely, that’s going to get us to somebody, we hope,” he said.
Investigators looking Into possible internet disruption on night of Nancy Guthrie’s abduction
Nanos confirmed authorities are looking into a potential internet issue or electrical disruption that occurred on the night they believe Nancy Guthrie was abducted.
“If you look at that timeline, there was a timeline when things went offline,” he said. “So we’re looking into that. Why did that occur? We checked with our power companies. We checked with others in the neighborhood.”
Nanos also told Kreutz they are investigating a damaged utility box near Nancy Guthrie’s home, but right now they don’t believe it’s connected to the case.
Community support stays strong as search continues
With March 15 marking six weeks since Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance, the Tucson community remains visible and vocal in their support of the family and hope for her return.
Residents continue to make signs, banners and artwork calling for her safe return and showing their solidarity with the Guthrie family.
Tucson artist Donna Preuss, who goes by the name Pinky, has been leaving canvas paintings outside Nancy Guthrie’s home, including one that says, “Nancy, all of us are praying for you to come home now.”
Artwork left outside of Nancy Guthrie’s home.
Artwork left outside of Nancy Guthrie’s home.
“Something they can save,” Preuss said. “Something that they read, and I think they’ll feel it in their heart. I know that Savannah will.”
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