The botched investigation into the kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s elderly mother, Nancy Guthrie, in Arizona by Pima County cops has left many questioning the competence of law enforcement in the area. The mishandling of the crime scene has raised concerns about whether the culprits will ever be brought to justice.
According to law enforcement sources, the police barricade tape around Nancy Guthrie’s home was put up, taken down, and then put up again before finally being removed for good. This chaotic handling of the crime scene has led to experts warning that the evidence may have been compromised beyond repair.
Chicago private eye Paul Huebl, who has been following the case closely, expressed his concerns about the negligence displayed by the Pima County cops. He highlighted the slow response in requesting outside help from the FBI, which could have made a significant difference in the early stages of the investigation.
Sheriff Chris Nanos, a veteran of the department, has faced criticism for his handling of the case. Critics pointed out that the FBI was not called in until several days after Nancy was reported missing, and crucial resources, such as a search plane with thermal imaging cameras, were not utilized effectively.
Former Pima County Sheriff’s lieutenant, Bob Krygier, spoke out about the department’s leadership, expressing his disappointment in how the case was handled. He criticized Nanos for attending a University of Arizona basketball game on the same day Savannah Guthrie and her siblings made a public plea for their mother’s safe return.
The controversy surrounding Nanos is not new, as he faced backlash during his election bid in 2024. Outraged deputies protested against his leadership, and a lawsuit was filed by Sgt. Aaron Cross, alleging unfair treatment by Nanos.
The mishandling of the Nancy Guthrie kidnapping case has been described as a “catastrophe” and a “national embarrassment” for the Pima County Sheriff’s office. The situation has highlighted the issues within the department and has brought unwanted attention to the department’s leadership.
Overall, the botched investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapping has raised serious concerns about the capabilities of law enforcement in Pima County. The mishandling of the case has not only jeopardized the chances of finding the culprits but has also tarnished the reputation of the department.
