TUCSON, Ariz. — Tensions between local law enforcement and federal investigators have escalated in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, as the FBI has been denied access to crucial physical evidence nearly two weeks after her disappearance.
According to a report from Reuters, cited by Us Weekly, the FBI requested that the Pima County Sheriff's Department forward items including a glove and other potential DNA evidence to its national crime lab in Quantico, Virginia, for advanced analysis. However, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has reportedly insisted on sending the materials to a lab in Florida instead, creating a delay that has hindered the bureau's involvement in the case. A law enforcement official familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday, February 12, that this jurisdictional friction is complicating efforts to locate Nancy, who was last seen at her home in Tucson on January 31.
The standoff highlights broader challenges in coordinating between local and federal agencies in high-profile missing persons cases, particularly when foul play is suspected. Retired FBI agent Scott Curtis, speaking to Us Weekly on the same day, expressed concern over the situation. "Friction between the Sheriff’s Department and the FBI will not help matters," Curtis said. He added that he was "surprised" the FBI had not assumed full control of the investigation almost two weeks after Nancy was reported missing, noting the potential for such disputes to slow down critical progress.
Sheriff Nanos has not publicly commented on the evidence-handling dispute as of Thursday, but earlier statements from his office have underscored the gravity of the case. In an interview with Us Weekly earlier this month, Nanos described discovering "suspicious clues" at Nancy's residence that suggested a crime had occurred. "I’ve been doing this for 50 years. When something doesn’t sit well, it doesn’t sit well," he said. "Something unusual at that house occurred that made us go, ‘Wow … something’s wrong here. Something doesn’t fit.'"
Nanos emphasized the delicate balance between maintaining hope for the family and acknowledging the dangers indicated by the evidence. "But in the same sense, just as there’s hope, there’s also things that point to us that say, ‘This lady’s in danger,'" he told reporters. The sheriff's department has treated the disappearance as a potential abduction from the outset, with investigators pointing to signs of forced entry and disarray at the scene.
The case took a dramatic turn when authorities revealed the existence of an alleged ransom note, which included a deadline that passed on Monday, February 9. Savannah Guthrie, her siblings Annie and Camron, and other family members have been vocal in their pleas for information, sharing emotional updates that have captured national attention. Just before the ransom deadline, Savannah posted a heartfelt message on social media, describing the family's plight as an "hour of desperation." The siblings have urged the public to come forward with any leads, emphasizing their mother's vulnerability due to her age and health.
Adding to the urgency, the FBI released new details about a person of interest captured on surveillance footage from Nancy's home on February 10. The individual, described as a male approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build, was seen wearing a black mask, carrying a 25-liter 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack, and appearing to have a gun tucked into his waistband. The footage, analyzed by the FBI’s Operational Technology Division, provided these enhanced identifying features after forensic review of the doorbell camera recording.
Investigators from the Pima County Sheriff's Department also disclosed on Wednesday, February 11, via NBC affiliate KVOA in Tucson, that black gloves were discovered during a search of the area around Nancy's home. These items have been submitted for DNA testing, though the choice of lab remains a point of contention. The gloves, along with other trace evidence, could prove pivotal in identifying the suspect, but the delay in processing has drawn criticism from federal sources.
In a bid to generate more leads, authorities initially offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to Nancy's location or the arrest of those responsible. On Thursday, the FBI announced it was doubling that amount to $100,000. "Today, the FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance," stated an FBI Phoenix office release shared on social media.
The bureau reported receiving over 13,000 tips from the public since February 1, 2026, reflecting the widespread interest in the case fueled by Savannah Guthrie's prominence as co-anchor of NBC's "Today" show. "We hope this updated description will help concentrate the public tips we are receiving," the FBI statement continued, urging anyone with information to contact tip lines established for the investigation.
Background on the disappearance reveals that Nancy Guthrie, a longtime resident of Tucson, was reported missing by family members after failing to respond to calls and visits. Her home, located in a quiet suburban neighborhood, showed no signs of voluntary departure, with her car and personal belongings left behind. Friends and neighbors have described her as active and independent despite her age, often participating in local community events.
The involvement of the FBI stems from the interstate elements of the case, including the ransom demand and potential for the suspect to have fled Arizona. Federal agents joined the search shortly after the initial report, providing resources like forensic experts and tip analysis. However, the reported resistance from the sheriff's office to share evidence has raised questions about local priorities versus national standards in evidence handling.
Experts in law enforcement collaboration, like Curtis, suggest that such disputes are not uncommon in cases involving celebrities or high media scrutiny, where local officials may seek to maintain control. Curtis noted in his comments that while the sheriff's department has experience in the region, the FBI's specialized labs could accelerate breakthroughs, potentially including DNA matches from national databases.
As the search enters its third week, family members continue to hold out hope amid the mounting evidence of danger. Savannah Guthrie has stepped back from some professional commitments to focus on the effort, coordinating with investigators and managing public appeals. "We are doing everything in our power to bring Mom home," she said in a recent statement, echoing the sentiments of her siblings.
Looking ahead, the resolution of the evidence dispute could be key to advancing the investigation. The FBI has indicated it is prepared to intensify its role if local cooperation improves, while Nanos's office maintains that their methods are thorough and effective. With tips pouring in and the reward now at $100,000, authorities remain optimistic that public assistance will yield a break. For now, the Guthrie family and investigators press on, navigating both the logistical hurdles and the emotional toll of an unresolved mystery that has gripped the nation.