Home / Crime and Justice / Sheriff's Blunders Mar Hunt for Nancy Guthrie
Sheriff's Blunders Mar Hunt for Nancy Guthrie
9 Feb
Summary
- Investigation into Nancy Guthrie's kidnapping marred by errors.
- Unverified ransom notes demand millions in Bitcoin.
- Delayed aircraft deployment and open crime scene criticized.
The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today anchor Savannah Guthrie, has been hampered by a series of alleged blunders by the Pima County Sheriff's Office. Guthrie was last seen at her Tucson home on the evening of January 31. Investigators believe she was abducted from her home in the early hours of February 1, with blood droplets discovered inside the residence.
Criticism has surfaced regarding the handling of the investigation, including the delayed deployment of a vital search-and-rescue aircraft equipped with thermal imaging. Sources indicate the plane remained grounded for much of the initial search period due to staffing shortages. Furthermore, the crime scene at Guthrie's home was reportedly left unsecured and accessible to reporters shortly after the initial response.
Two unverified ransom notes have been sent to media outlets, with the latest demanding $6 million in Bitcoin. The Sheriff's office has faced scrutiny over bungled press conferences, with Sheriff Chris Nanos apologizing for delays and misstatements. The investigation team is reportedly small and inexperienced, with the FBI now heavily involved.
