The search for Nancy Guthrie has entered a difficult phase as scrutiny grows over how the investigation is being managed. An individual familiar with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the case is being handled by a small homicide unit with limited experience in large, high-profile investigations. According to the source, the team includes six detectives, and the lead investigator has relatively little time working homicide cases.
Questions have also been raised about leadership and internal decision-making as the investigation continues without publicly identified suspects. Reports of unverified ransom messages sent to media outlets have added pressure, along with public attention surrounding the sheriff’s activities during the early days of the case. Officials have not commented in detail on internal staffing choices but have said the department remains focused on the search.
The source claimed that more experienced detectives were available but not assigned to the case, with some veteran investigators reportedly working on cold cases instead. They also noted that in smaller jurisdictions, where serious violent crimes occur less frequently, it can take longer for investigators to build experience with complex cases. Federal authorities, including the FBI, have taken on a more visible role in supporting the investigation.
Meanwhile, investigators have returned multiple times to Guthrie’s home as part of their work, removing items for examination. The repeated securing and reopening of the property has prompted questions about evidence handling, though authorities have not indicated any problems with the process. As the investigation continues, Savannah Guthrie and her family have made emotional public appeals for her mother’s safe return, while officials continue to ask anyone with information to come forward.