Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has dismissed reports that another person of interest has been detained in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case. When asked about the claims, the sheriff gave a one-word response: “Nope,” according to journalist Alex Ruiz.
Before Ruiz’s report, true crime host Nancy Grace addressed circulating rumors on her YouTube show, Crime Stories. Grace opened a recent episode with the question, “Bombshell. To Tucson and the Nancy Guthrie disappearance. Has a guy been detained overnight for questioning?”
During the discussion, Grace’s guest, David Mack, stressed that no information had been confirmed. They referred to a “possible suspect” and “possible new information” but emphasized the uncertainty surrounding the case.
The report also claimed that the individual had been apprehended near the same location as an earlier suspect south of Tucson, Arizona, near the California border, according to Men’s Journal. However, those details were later disputed by Sheriff Nanos.
Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation has been actively reviewing DNA evidence collected from Guthrie’s Tucson residence. Sources familiar with the investigation confirmed that the evidence includes a hair sample submitted for advanced testing.
Investigative genetic genealogist CeCe Moore of Parabon NanoLabs noted that hair samples are typically unlikely to be part of a mixed DNA profile once cleaned for contamination. She said, “They have that process in good shape, but it can take some time. I would assume it would be Nancy plus two or more unknowns.”
A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD) emphasized that the department has been sharing information with the FBI since the start of the investigation. The spokesperson wrote on X, “PCSD has worked with the FBI since the beginning of the Guthrie investigation. This is not new information. The private lab we utilize in Florida continues to share information with the FBI lab & other partner labs across the country. DNA analysis remains ongoing.”
Earlier in the investigation, the sheriff’s department had submitted a DNA sample to the FBI for comparison against the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). That search did not produce a match.
While speculation has swirled online and in media reports, law enforcement continues to emphasize that no arrests have been made and that investigative work is ongoing.
Grace and her guest noted the potential significance of new leads but cautioned that all details remain unconfirmed, reflecting the complexity and sensitivity of the case.
The investigation into Guthrie’s disappearance remains active, with law enforcement agencies coordinating with multiple labs to analyze forensic evidence.
As of now, no suspects have been formally charged, and authorities continue to review DNA evidence and other investigative material to determine the next steps in the case.
This latest clarification from Sheriff Nanos underscores the caution law enforcement is exercising as the investigation continues and prevents speculation from outpacing confirmed information.
The Nancy Guthrie case continues to attract attention from true crime communities, investigative journalists, and law enforcement, with DNA analysis and forensic leads expected to play a key role in any future developments.