Staff Reports
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos gave reporters a two-word answer that lit up headlines: “We are.” He said investigators are close to answers in the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie. It is a blunt, hopeful signal — and it comes with big questions. No arrest has been announced, and the public still deserves straight facts, not squeezes of hope wrapped in secrecy.
What the “We are” line really means
Sheriff Chris Nanos’ short answer matters because it hints at a turning point in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance investigation. Investigators have DNA results, multiple ransom notes, and physical items like gloves to work from. But the sheriff gave no details. That puts everyone in the uncomfortable spot of having to choose between patience and skepticism. We should want both: patience for careful police work, and skepticism when officials offer no follow-up.
DNA, private labs, and the forensic race
Forensics are the backbone of this probe. DNA recovered from the home was sent to a private lab and uploaded to national databases, and some samples are being run through genealogy methods. The FBI says it was “kept out” for days and claims its Quantico lab could have sped things up. The sheriff says the FBI was notified and that decisions were made on scene for operational reasons. Translation: the science may be sound, but messy logistics and turf battles can slow justice — and that costs time when a person is missing.
Politics crowding the crime scene
At the same time, the sheriff faces a political move that could remove him from office. County supervisors pressing to discipline or oust Sheriff Nanos while investigators say they’re “close” is a dangerous mix of theater and timing. We want leaders held accountable, yes, but not while an active investigation is delicate. Public pressure and political stunts can spook witnesses, cloud priorities, and hand enemies something to talk about besides finding Nancy Guthrie.
Answers, not soundbites
The public needs plain answers: does “close” mean a suspect has been identified, or that forensic hits are pending? Which lab handled which samples, and was chain-of-custody preserved? Federal and local teams must stop arguing about who should have done what in the first days and focus on producing results. If the sheriff really is close, let him finish the work — responsibly and transparently. And if mistakes were made, demand an explanation after Nancy Guthrie is found or charges are filed. Until then, the goal is simple: find the missing woman, not score political points.
