Sources close to the investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie are calling for the FBI to assume control of the case, citing a lack of progress by the Pima County Sheriff's Office over the past six months. The 84-year-old mother of 'Today' show star Savannah Guthrie was taken from her home in the Catalina Foothills near Tucson, Arizona, on February 1.
Investigators are reportedly "shocked and disturbed" by the absence of new leads. "There's a killer on the loose. They need to focus their resources on finding that person rather than bickering," one source told Page Six. The family believes Nancy Guthrie is no longer alive, a sentiment supported by ransom notes that stated she is "buried in nature."
Retired FBI profiler Jim Clemente told Page Six that while the FBI does not have primary jurisdiction and must be invited in, any involvement by law enforcement agencies should prioritize resolving the crime over ego.
"It's ridiculous for egos to ever be involved in delaying or obfuscating an investigation. Law enforcement on all sides should have the same goal — to resolve the crime," Clemente said. He added that the Pima County Sheriff's Office's handling of the crime scene, including alleged failure to preserve evidence, appears to indicate the case was not treated with sufficient seriousness from the outset.
"The crime scene was not protected; it was released almost immediately; people were walking over blood spatter evidence on the front porch, stepping on a doormat," Clemente noted. He believes that an immediate FBI forensic and photographic team could have been utilized, speeding up the process of identifying a suspect. Footage of a masked individual attempting to blur a doorbell camera was only obtained 10 days after the initial disappearance, after Google forensically recovered the deleted video.
While Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has denied accusations that the FBI was kept out of the case for the first four days, Clemente suggested that even if they were not fully excluded, "that doesn't mean the full force and breadth of the FBI and its services were being utilized." He emphasized that the FBI offers significant resources, including behavioral analysis and violent criminal apprehension programs, which could have aided the investigation.
Private sector companies are reportedly now assisting in sifting through public tips and collected evidence. The Guthrie family has offered a $1 million reward for information that could end the case. Savannah Guthrie has been away from 'Today' to film a new NBC show.
Clemente offered a profile of the suspected abductor, suggesting the individual may have exhibited behavioral changes, such as altering their appearance, repairing their car, or leaving the area temporarily. He believes that even small details reported to law enforcement could unravel the offender's cover.
"Maybe they cut their hair or shaved their beard—had their car repaired or got a new car," Clemente said. "Whatever the behavioral changes are, it will be enough to notify law enforcement. Even if what someone reports is just a little tiny strand, if investigators pull on it, the offender’s cover may fall apart."
Clemente also speculated that the assailant's ultimate goal might have been to force Savannah Guthrie to publicly plead for her mother's return, rather than financial gain, as no ransom money was obtained. The case remains open, with concerns mounting over public safety and the perceived technological sophistication of the perpetrator.