By Amanda Castro

Associate News Editor

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President Donald Trump said Friday that the investigation into the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie has made progress since the FBI became involved, while acknowledging that local authorities continue to lead the case. DNA recovered from several gloves and other items collected across the expanding search zone for Guthrie is now being compared to samples from people with access to her home, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Friday, calling the development a sign that investigators may be edging closer to answers.

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What To Know

• Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators now have “good leads” in the case, though there remains no clear indication of where Guthrie may be.
• Residents within a 2‑mile radius of Guthrie’s home have been asked to submit any surveillance video showing vehicles or people from roughly a month before she disappeared.
• The FBI has increased its reward to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s location or an arrest.
• Newly released details describe a male suspect, approximately 5’9” to 5’10” with an average build, carrying an Ozark Trail Hiker backpack.
• Investigators have recovered a pair of gloves now undergoing analysis; it’s not yet known whether they are connected to the suspect.
• Multiple gloves were found within a 10‑mile radius of the residence, though none were located inside the house.
• Detectives plan to re‑examine the front doorway to refine their estimate of the suspect’s height and weight.
• The FBI is working to trace the Walmart‑sold backpack seen in surveillance footage.
• A man questioned earlier in Rio Rico has been released but not fully ruled out.
• Sheriff Chris Nanos says investigators are “not giving up” as the search continues.

This live blog is now closed.

Feb 13, 2026 at 04:59 PM EST

Pima County Sheriff’s Office says no briefings planned without new developments

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department says it will not hold any news conferences today as the search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie continues. Officials said a briefing will be scheduled only if there are substantive updates to share with the public.

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Feb 13, 2026 at 04:53 PM EST

Law enforcement warns of surge in phone scams amid Guthrie case

Phone scams—long a persistent problem for law enforcement—are surging nationwide in the wake of the high‑profile abduction of Nancy Guthrie, according to multiple agencies. Officials say scammers are exploiting public fear and targeting vulnerable groups, including older adults and people with limited English proficiency.

Tony Botti of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office said scammers often impersonate real deputies by pulling names from the department’s website. “They’ll pluck one of those real names and plug it in, saying they are, in fact, one of our employees,” he said.

Other schemes follow familiar patterns: fake jury‑duty fines, fraudulent bail‑out offers for jailed relatives, and urgent demands for payment to avoid arrest. Botti stressed that the sheriff’s office never solicits money over the phone. “If you ever get a call stating that it’s the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office and we’re trying to shake you down for money, know that it’s a complete scam,” he said.

Agencies across California, including the Mariposa County Sheriff’s Office, have also reported an uptick in kidnapping and ransom scams. In Southern California, federal prosecutors say Derrick Callella used a spoofed phone number to text the Guthrie family and demand Bitcoin in the days after Nancy Guthrie disappeared.

Scammers, Botti noted, are motivated by quick payouts. “If you can bulk somebody out of hundreds or thousands of dollars, then it’s mission accomplished for that scam artist,” he said.

Officials are also urging residents to check their home security systems regularly to ensure cameras are functioning and that passwords are accessible should law enforcement need them during an emergency.

Feb 13, 2026 at 04:40 PM EST

Sheriff says multiple gloves found near Guthrie home as evidence testing expands

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says investigators have recovered “a number of gloves” from a wide area surrounding the home of missing 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, adding new material to the growing list of items being tested for DNA. Speaking to NBC affiliate KVOA, Nanos said his office is working closely with the FBI to analyze the gloves and other evidence collected from the property, though he did not specify how many gloves were found or whether any match those seen in surveillance footage of the suspected kidnapper.

Nanos also pushed back on a Reuters report suggesting friction between his department and federal agents over where the evidence should be tested. He called the claim “not even close to the truth,” explaining that evidence is routinely shared with the FBI, which conducts forensic analysis and returns results to local investigators. He said the same process is being used for the alleged ransom notes sent to media outlets in recent days.

The sheriff added that investigators have taken cheek‑swab DNA samples from “different individuals we’ve talked to along the way,” though he did not identify those people or describe their connection to the case. No suspects or persons of interest have been publicly named.

Feb 13, 2026 at 04:27 PM EST

True-crime influencers descend on Tucson, shaping public perception of Guthrie case

As national attention intensifies around the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, a wave of true‑crime influencers has arrived in Tucson, creating a parallel ecosystem of commentary that is increasingly influencing how the public views the case. Podcasters, TikTok creators and YouTubers are producing a steady stream of videos, theories and on‑the‑ground updates — content that is far more speculative and emotionally charged than traditional reporting.

Their presence reflects a growing trend in high‑profile investigations: audiences want to participate, not just observe. That participatory energy can be powerful, but it also carries risks. Much of the influencer‑driven content blurs the lines that journalists are trained to respect, including by making unverified claims and compromising the integrity of an active investigation.

People involved in the case acknowledge that a breakthrough tip could come from anywhere. But they also say that, at times, the flood of amateur analysis has been “unhelpful,” fueling rumors and distracting from actionable leads. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has repeatedly urged the public not to spread unsubstantiated information, with Sheriff Chris Nanos noting that “social media’s kind of an ugly world sometimes.”

The dynamic played out visibly this week when a pizza delivery driver arrived at the crime scene — an order placed for a controversial YouTuber broadcasting live from the neighborhood. It was a reminder of how the chase for clicks and real‑time engagement can collide with the needs of investigators working a delicate, time‑sensitive case.

Feb 13, 2026 at 04:13 PM EST

Recovered doorbell footage offers first clear look at suspect in Guthrie abduction

Ten days after 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie was last seen, investigators released stark doorbell‑camera footage showing a masked man at her Tucson home in the early morning hours of February 1. The silent, black‑and‑white clip shows the individual approaching her front door wearing a ski mask, gloves, a backpack, and what appears to be a holstered handgun — the clearest visual evidence to emerge in the case so far.

Authorities had long known the camera disconnected at 1:47 a.m., but the footage itself remained out of reach until Tuesday. In a joint statement, the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the images had been “previously inaccessible” and were only recovered that morning. Neither agency has explained why it took more than a week to retrieve the video.

The clip bears the Nest logo, indicating it came from Guthrie’s Google‑owned doorbell device. Because Guthrie did not subscribe to Nest’s paid video‑history service, investigators likely had no access to stored footage on her account. Instead, experts say the video was likely buried in Google’s backend systems, requiring time — and possibly multiple exchanges with the company — to locate and extract it.

Adam Wandt, a technology and law expert at John Jay College, noted that retrieving such data can be slow and complex. Even in urgent cases, companies may need days to identify and reconstruct the relevant files from their servers.

Feb 13, 2026 at 03:50 PM EST

IN PICTURES: Community comes together for Nanc Guthrie

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Feb 13, 2026 at 03:37 PM EST

Savannah Guthrie’s recent emotional plea fuels massive surge in tips, but few solid leads emerge

Nearly two weeks into the search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, an emotional video message from her daughter, Today co‑anchor Savannah Guthrie, has triggered an extraordinary wave of public response — though investigators say actionable leads remain scarce.

In a direct appeal released earlier this week, Savannah Guthrie urged viewers across the country to stay alert and report anything unusual. “We are at an hour of desperation, and we need your help,” she said, asking not only for prayers but for vigilance, even from people far from Tucson.

The plea resonated. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has now logged roughly 21,000 calls since Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1. More than 4,000 tips came in within the first 24 hours after the FBI released surveillance images showing a masked, armed individual on Guthrie’s porch shortly before she vanished.

The county’s anonymous tip line, 88‑CRIME, has also been overwhelmed, receiving more than 1,100 calls — far beyond its usual daily volume. The FBI’s national tip line has experienced such heavy traffic that callers are being warned of extended wait times.

Despite the flood of information, investigators say only a small fraction of the tips have produced leads they can pursue. The most significant development remains the black‑and‑white doorbell‑camera footage showing a masked person wearing gloves, a backpack and what appears to be a holstered handgun.

The sheriff’s department has urged the public to send only actionable information, noting that 911 and non‑emergency lines were becoming clogged with commentary rather than evidence. Experts say this kind of public engagement is both a challenge and a necessity in high‑profile cases.

Feb 13, 2026 at 03:24 PM EST

Investigators seek more neighborhood footage in ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is expanding its call for digital evidence as the search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie continues into its second week. In a public notice posted Thursday, investigators asked residents to share any video captured between January 1 and February 2 within a two‑mile radius of East Skyline Drive and North Campbell Avenue — the area surrounding Guthrie’s Tucson home.

Officials say they are looking for footage showing vehicles, pedestrian activity or anything that might appear unusual. The request reflects investigators’ belief that even small details — a passing car, a person walking late at night, or a pattern of movement — could help reconstruct the timeline around Guthrie’s disappearance.

The appeal comes as federal and local authorities process newly recovered surveillance images showing a masked individual on Guthrie’s porch the morning she vanished. With thousands of tips already reviewed, investigators are urging residents to check doorbell cameras, security systems and archived clips that may hold overlooked clues.

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Feb 13, 2026 at 03:21 PM EST

DNA from recovered gloves now being compared to known samples, sheriff says

Investigators have begun comparing DNA recovered from several gloves and other items collected across a wide search area to samples taken from people connected to Nancy Guthrie, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said Friday. Speaking to ABC News, Nanos said the testing marks a significant step forward in efforts to narrow the pool of individuals who may have had access to the 84‑year‑old’s Tucson home.

“We’ve gotten DNA back,” Nanos said, noting that investigators already have genetic markers from family members and household workers. “Now we have to go through and try to eliminate people.”

Multiple gloves have been found within a 10‑mile radius of Guthrie’s residence, though none were recovered inside the home itself. The sheriff said teams planned to return to the property to take additional measurements at the front doorway, where the masked suspect was seen on surveillance video. Investigators have estimated the man’s height at 5 feet 9 to 5 feet 10 inches and are now working to refine their assessment of his weight by analyzing the footage frame by frame.

Other investigators are attempting to trace the retail origin of the black Ozark Trail backpack the suspect was carrying, a model sold at Walmart. The company declined to comment on whether it is assisting.

Nanos also addressed the man detained earlier this week in Rio Rico, who identified himself as Carlos. Although he has been released and is under no restrictions, the sheriff said no one has been fully ruled out. “He talked with us, he was cooperative,” Nanos said.

As the search enters its second week, Nanos emphasized that local deputies and the FBI are working side by side. “We’re not giving up,” he said. “If Nancy’s out there, we’re going to find her.”

Feb 13, 2026 at 03:10 PM EST

Expert says lack of ransom contact leaves key questions in Guthrie case

A former U.S. Secret Service official says the absence of early, direct communication from a potential abductor in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie makes it difficult to determine whether the crime was financially motivated, targeted, or opportunistic.

Robert E. McDonald, now an assistant professor of criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Newsweek that classic ransom‑driven kidnappings typically involve immediate outreach from the perpetrator. “Direct lines of communication are usually set up quickly,” he said, noting that ransom demands often clarify motive early in an investigation. That pattern has not emerged in Guthrie’s case.

McDonald said investigators on the ground appear to be conducting strong, methodical work, though he believes early public messaging could have been more tightly managed. Recent briefings, he added, suggest that the issue has improved.

As for what the lack of ransom contact reveals about the suspect, McDonald cautioned against drawing conclusions too soon. “We’re going to have to wait for an apprehension of the offender to work the investigation back,” he said. Only then, he added, will investigators be able to determine what the perpetrator intended — and why.

Feb 13, 2026 at 02:56 PM EST

Nancy Guthrie case highlights rarity of elder abductions

The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, 84, has drawn national attention to the kidnapping of older Americans, a crime federal data shows is uncommon.

According to FBI statistics, more than 49,000 abductions and kidnappings were reported in 2025, but only 10 percent involved victims over 50. Just 145 cases were recorded in Guthrie’s age group, 80 to 89. Officials have stressed that her age and medical needs make locating her quickly especially urgent.

Investigators yesterday released video of a masked person tampering with Guthrie’s doorbell camera before she was reported missing. Her family told NBC they did not recognize the individual.

Most abductions do not involve strangers. FBI data shows only about 9 percent of kidnappings last year were committed by someone unknown to the victim. Separately, NCIC figures for 2024 found that of nearly 259,000 missing persons cases, only 4 percent involved adults. The vast majority were runaways, while stranger abductions accounted for just 0.1 percent.

Feb 13, 2026 at 02:42 PM EST

What we know about the suspect in the Nancy Guthrie abduction

New details are emerging about the unidentified man seen in surveillance footage outside the Tucson home of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, who was abducted in the early hours of February 1. The FBI this week released the clearest images yet of the suspect, showing an armed, masked individual approaching Guthrie’s front door and appearing to tamper with her security camera.

According to federal investigators, analysis of the recovered video indicates the suspect is a man of average build, standing between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was carrying a black 25‑liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack — a backpack sold exclusively through Walmart — which authorities hope may help narrow potential leads.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said Thursday that several pieces of evidence have been recovered, including gloves. It remains unclear whether the gloves seen in the surveillance footage match those collected by investigators.

The FBI has now increased its reward to $100,000 for information that leads to Guthrie's arrest or location. Officials are urging anyone with information to contact 911 or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520‑351‑4900 as the search enters its third week.

Feb 13, 2026 at 02:28 PM EST

Why it might have taken longer to recover the Google Nest footage of masked man

Authorities on Tuesday released doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual at the home of Nancy Guthrie, ten days after she was last seen by family members. The silent, black‑and‑white clip captures a person wearing a ski mask, gloves, a backpack and what appears to be a holstered handgun approaching Guthrie’s front door on the night she was taken.

Investigators had previously confirmed that Guthrie’s doorbell camera went offline at 1:47 a.m. on February 1. In a joint statement, the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said the footage had only become accessible “as of this morning,” though they did not explain the delay. The sheriff’s office referred further questions to the FBI, which declined to elaborate.

The video bears the logo of Nest, Google’s home‑security brand. Experts note that without a paid subscription, the device does not store long-term video history locally; it must instead be retrieved from Google’s servers. That process can take days, depending on the request's complexity and the company’s internal review procedures.

It remains unclear whether investigators used a warrant to obtain the footage or relied on emergency‑disclosure protocols, given the circumstances of the abduction. Google has not commented on the retrieval.

Feb 13, 2026 at 02:15 PM EST

Nancy Guthrie case draws parallels to historic U.S. abductions

As the search for Nancy Guthrie enters its fifth day, investigators say they have no suspects but remain hopeful the 84‑year‑old mother of Today host Savannah Guthrie is alive. Her disappearance has captured national attention, echoing some of America’s most infamous abduction cases.

• Charles Lindbergh Jr. (1932): The 20‑month‑old son of aviator Charles Lindbergh was kidnapped from his New Jersey home. After multiple ransom notes, the child was found dead nearby. A German‑American carpenter was convicted and executed.
• Frank Sinatra Jr. (1963): The 19‑year‑old son of singer Frank Sinatra was abducted from a Lake Tahoe lodge. His father paid a $240,000 ransom before Sinatra Jr. was released. The kidnappers were later convicted.
• Patty Hearst (1974): The 19‑year‑old granddaughter of publishing magnate William Randolph Hearst was taken by the Symbionese Liberation Army. She later appeared to align with her captors, participating in crimes before serving prison time. Her sentence was commuted, and she was later pardoned.
• Jaycee Dugard (1991): Abducted at age 11 in California, Dugard was held captive for 18 years. She resurfaced in 2009, and her abductors were convicted of kidnapping and rape.
• Elizabeth Smart (2002): Taken at knifepoint from her Salt Lake City home at age 14, Smart was held for nine months before being rescued. She has since become an advocate for survivors.
• Amber Hagerman (1996): The unsolved abduction and murder of the 9‑year‑old in Texas led to the creation of the AMBER Alert system, now used nationwide.
• Michelle Knight, Amanda Berry, Gina DeJesus (2002–2013): The three women were held captive in Cleveland for more than a decade before Berry’s escape led to their rescue.

Feb 13, 2026 at 02:02 PM EST

Trump says FBI involvement has helped advance Guthrie investigation

President Donald Trump said Friday that the investigation into the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie has made progress since the FBI became involved, while acknowledging that local authorities continue to lead the case.

Speaking to reporters before departing the White House for North Carolina, Trump said the case “was a local case originally,” but noted that federal agents have added resources and expertise. “Ultimately when the FBI got involved, I think progress has been made,” he said, calling the situation “complicated.”

Trump declined to speculate on whether Mexican cartels or a foreign actor could be involved, saying it was too early to draw conclusions. “Somebody either knew what they were doing very well or they were rank amateurs,” he said. “Either way, it’s not a good situation.”

Earlier Friday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told Fox News that the administration is closely monitoring the case. “Our hearts break every day that this goes on,” she said, adding that the FBI “is on the ground wanting to assist in any way that they can.”

Feb 13, 2026 at 01:48 PM EST

Expert says investigators must treat every tip as potential break in Guthrie case

As the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie continues to draw national attention, a former U.S. Secret Service official says the overwhelming volume of tips pouring into law enforcement must be handled with patience and precision. Robert E. McDonald, now an assistant professor of criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Newsweek that investigators cannot afford to dismiss any lead at first glance.

“All of the many tips that are received must be triaged and run out to see if there is investigative value,” McDonald said, noting that even seemingly minor details can become pivotal once cross‑checked against other evidence. He emphasized that large‑scale cases often hinge on “good old‑fashioned police work” — knocking on doors, interviewing neighbors and witnesses, and methodically eliminating dead ends.

McDonald said the painstaking process is essential when tens of thousands of calls come in, as investigators work to isolate the one piece of information that could move the case forward. “Hopefully,” he added, “that one lead will allow us to resolve this case and bring Mrs. Guthrie home to her family.”

Feb 13, 2026 at 01:34 PM EST

Neighbor says investigators asked twice whether he owned a truck

A neighbor living near the home of missing Arizona woman Nancy Guthrie says detectives have visited his house twice, each time asking whether he owns a truck. David Romano, who lives around the corner from Guthrie, told Newsweek that he does not drive a truck but got the impression investigators are searching for someone who does.

Romano said officials did not specify what type of truck they were looking for or why his household was questioned more than once. The repeated inquiries suggest investigators may be working to identify or eliminate vehicles seen in surveillance footage or reported by witnesses as the search for Guthrie continues into its second week.

Feb 13, 2026 at 01:20 PM EST

Man accused of sending fake ransom note to Guthrie family set for arraignment

A man accused of sending a fraudulent ransom message to the family of missing Arizona grandmother Nancy Guthrie is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in federal court. Derrick Callella, who was arrested earlier this week, is expected to appear before a judge at 4 p.m. local time in Arizona.

Federal prosecutors say Callella allegedly texted a fake ransom demand to Guthrie’s family, claiming he would provide information about the 84‑year‑old’s whereabouts in exchange for money. Investigators quickly determined the message was not credible, and authorities emphasized that the communication had no connection to the person responsible for Guthrie’s disappearance.

Feb 13, 2026 at 01:07 PM EST

Nancy Guthrie scene ‘doesn’t add up’—former Tucson Cop

A former Tucson SWAT officer said the scene in the Nancy Guthrie case “doesn’t add up.”

“This scene doesn’t add up. A frail elderly woman with a heart condition wouldn’t put up much of a fight, but the suspect didn’t look prepared for a calculated ransom scheme,” Brandon Tatum, a former Tucson police officer, wrote on X. “When SWAT deploys, they have a reason. That tells me investigators know more than they’re saying, and the Bitcoin ransom may be a distraction.”

Tatum told Fox News that a suspect in newly released photos and videos “doesn’t look like he’s equipped and ready to do anything.”

“It looks staged to me to a certain degree," he told the outlet.

He said the incident may have been a “burglary gone wrong.”

Read in full: Nancy Guthrie Scene ‘Doesn’t Add Up’-Former Tucson Cop

Feb 13, 2026 at 12:53 PM EST

Former Secret Service agent says Guthrie suspect showed planning — and gaps

A former U.S. Secret Service official says the masked individual seen in surveillance footage outside Nancy Guthrie’s home displayed clear signs of planning — but also notable oversights that could help investigators.

Robert E. McDonald, a retired Secret Service assistant special agent in charge and now an assistant professor of criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Newsweek that several elements of the suspect’s appearance immediately stand out from a threat‑assessment perspective. The individual arrived wearing a mask, gloves, a full backpack and what appears to be a weapon, indicators McDonald says point to deliberate preparation.

But the suspect’s handling of the doorbell camera suggests a lack of sophistication. “The individual did not have anything that would have covered the Nest camera,” McDonald noted, forcing him to rip plants from the ground to block the lens. With doorbell cameras now common, he said, a prepared offender would typically arrive with a way to disable or obscure the device.

Feb 13, 2026 at 12:40 PM EST

Gabby Petito’s father urges Guthrie family to ‘trust your instincts’ as search continues

The father of Gabby Petito is offering words of support to Savannah Guthrie and her family as the search for the Today co‑host’s missing mother stretches into a second week. In a statement to Newsweek, Joseph Petito encouraged the family to stay focused and rely on their instincts. “Our hearts are with the Guthrie family. Continue to trust your instincts to do what is best. Stay focused and maintain hope. We’re praying for your family’s reunion and your mother’s safe return,” he said.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen at her home in Tucson’s Catalina Foothills on January 31. Her disappearance has drawn national attention, intensified by alleged ransom notes sent to multiple news outlets and by investigators’ confirmation that she did not leave her home voluntarily. Authorities have also stressed that Guthrie requires daily medication that could be life‑threatening if missed.

The case has prompted comparisons to the 2021 disappearance of Gabby Petito, whose death sparked widespread public engagement and scrutiny of missing‑persons investigations. Brian C. Stewart, the Petito family’s attorney, told Newsweek that both cases share “identical” early dynamics: a sudden disappearance, families pleading for help, and media attention accelerating the search. But he noted key differences — Petito vanished while traveling with someone she knew, while Guthrie appears to have been taken from her home.

Stewart said intense public interest can both help and hinder investigators, generating valuable leads alongside speculation that must be painstakingly verified. He emphasized that all missing‑persons cases deserve the same urgency, regardless of a family’s visibility, and called for standardized alert systems and clearer public guidance.

Feb 13, 2026 at 12:26 PM EST

Man in backpack video ruled out as search for Nancy Guthrie continues

Investigators have ruled out a man seen in late‑night surveillance footage near the home of missing Arizona grandmother Nancy Guthrie, easing speculation that the individual might be tied to her disappearance. The video, first published by TMZ, showed a man carrying one backpack and tossing another over a wall around 1:52 a.m.—a time close to when a masked intruder was recorded at Guthrie’s home. The clip was captured roughly four miles from her residence.

Authorities initially asked the public to help identify the man so they could question him, but two officials later told NBC News he has been cleared and is no longer considered connected to the case.

Feb 13, 2026 at 12:12 PM EST

Neighbors show support with yellow ribbons as search for Nancy Guthrie enters second week

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As the search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie approaches the two‑week mark, her Tucson neighbors are rallying around her family in a visible show of solidarity. Yellow ribbons and fresh flowers now line the streets of her Catalina Foothills community, symbolizing hope for her safe return.

Yellow ribbons have long been used in missing‑person cases as a sign of support, and residents have embraced the gesture. On Thursday, a CNN crew observed a neighbor tying ribbons to trees along a roadway near Guthrie’s home, where a growing display of flowers, candles and handwritten messages has taken shape.

Feb 13, 2026 at 11:59 AM EST

Who is Chris Nanos?

Nanos was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, according to the sheriff department’s website. He attended the University of Texas - El Paso, majoring in public administration/criminal justice, before beginning his career in law enforcement.

He began working with the El Paso Police Department in 1976. He became a member of the Pima County Sheriff's Department in 1984 as a corrections officer and was promoted to deputy the following year.

He was elected as sheriff in 2020.

Nanos has been married to his wife, Charlene, for 38 years, according to the department’s website.

Feb 13, 2026 at 11:42 AM EST

WATCH: Is it incompetence in Tucson?

Feb 13, 2026 at 11:28 AM EST

Conflicting reports emerge over evidence handling in Guthrie investigation

Questions are mounting over how key forensic evidence is being processed in the search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, as conflicting accounts circulate between local officials and national news outlets. Multiple reports this week from Reuters and Fox News alleged that Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos prevented the FBI from testing DNA collected at Guthrie’s home and from a glove recovered nearby, instead directing the items to a private laboratory in Florida.

Nanos forcefully rejected those claims, telling Tucson station KOLD the reports were “not even close to the truth.” But one law enforcement official confirmed the Reuters account to CNN, while another declined to specify where the evidence was sent, saying the situation had been overstated and insisting that FBI teams do have access to the material. That official added that federal agents and county investigators continue to work effectively together on the ground.

Feb 13, 2026 at 11:15 AM EST

What is Derrick Callella charged with?

Derrick Callella of Los Angeles was arrested last week on allegations that he sent text messages to members of Nancy Guthrie’s family seeking information about sending bitcoin, authorities said.

The suspect, identified as Callella, reportedly contacted Guthrie’s daughter and son‑in‑law, seeking to see if the family would respond. According to a criminal complaint, the texts are not linked to the ransom demand received on February 2.

FBI special agent Kerry Witherspoon, who wrote the criminal complaint, said that after Miranda warnings, Callella admitted to sending the two messages after following the case on TV. He wanted to see if relatives would respond, Witherspoon said, and he tried to call a family member, with data showing the call lasting 9 seconds.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona, set out two allegations against Callella:

• intending to transmit a demand for ransom, transmitting in interstate or foreign commerce any communication containing any demand or request for a ransom or reward for the release of any kidnapped person,
• making a telephone call and utilizing a telecommunications device, whether or not conversation or communication ensues, without disclosing his identity and with intent to abuse, threaten, or harass any specific person.

Feb 13, 2026 at 11:01 AM EST

Man accused of sending fake ransom demand appears in federal court

The man accused of sending a fake ransom demand to Nancy Guthrie's family in the wake of her disappearance appeared in federal court in Tucson on Thursday.

Derrick Callella, of California, allegedly sent anonymous text messages mand ade threatening calls to the Guthrie family after her suspected abduction was widely reported.

"Did you get the bitcoin were waiting on our end for the transaction," his text messages read, according to the criminal complaint.

Investigators say they were able to trace the messages to a digital phone number tied to Callella's email and IP address in California. After he was arrested and charged, Callella admitted to making the texts and call to the family, the criminal complaint states.

Callella posted bail with conditions, including having his devices monitored.

Feb 13, 2026 at 10:48 AM EST

‘Well-planned offenders make mistakes,’ says ex- FBI profiler after reviewing surveillance footage

Senior FBI Profiler Mary Ellen O’Toole has pointed to an apparent mistake by the masked individual outside Nancy Guthrie's home on the night she went missing, not as proof that they were inept, but as evidence of the opposite: that they could stay calm and recover quickly from a setback.

Footage showed the individual attempting to tamper with the doorbell camera outside Guthrie's home, before returning with a handful of plants to cover the camera.

O'Toole said it was rare to catch an offender on camera moments before a crime, but if it were common, "we would see well-planned offenders make mistakes."

“He was able to regroup – and not to get what we call ‘discombobulated’ – but come back and maintain control and continue on with the crime,” she said. “For me, it also goes to his ability to land on his feet in a very stressful situation.”

Feb 13, 2026 at 10:34 AM EST

Recaps of what happened yesterday in the investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance

Friday marks the 13th day since 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson‑area home, and investigators say the most significant break so far came earlier this week with the recovery of doorbell‑camera footage showing a masked individual approaching her porch during the likely window of her abduction. On Thursday, authorities released several new updates as the search intensified.

The FBI issued a more detailed description of the person seen in the recovered video, identifying the suspect as a man between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, of average build. He was carrying a black 25‑liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack — a backpack sold exclusively through Walmart — which investigators hope may help narrow potential leads.

Savannah Guthrie, the Today co‑host and Nancy’s daughter, shared home videos on Instagram showing her mother with her children when they were young. “Our lovely mom. We will never give up on her,” she wrote, as the family continues to make public appeals.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the gloves recovered during the search are now being sent for forensic analysis. The suspect in the surveillance footage appeared to be wearing black gloves while tampering with the doorbell camera.

Authorities also broadened their request for neighborhood surveillance footage, sending an alert through the Neighbors App to residents within a two‑mile radius of Guthrie’s home. Investigators are seeking any video from January through early February that might show suspicious vehicles or activity.

With new evidence under review and the reward now doubled to $100,000, investigators say they are working through a growing number of leads as the search enters its third week.

Feb 13, 2026 at 10:21 AM EST

Law enforcement believes kidnappers are also from Tucson area: Report

Law enforcement sources told TMZ that they believe Nancy Guthrie's suspected kidnappers are from the Tucson, Arizona area.

Some of the reasons officials believe the abductor is from the same city as Nancy are that the person who sent the ransom notes sent them to a local TV station and appeared to be familiar with the local news.

"Multiple sources involved in the investigation tell TMZ ... the operating theory is that the ransom notes were written by the kidnapper, and those notes provide clues on where the abductor lives," the outlet reports.

The kidnapper also promised to return Nancy to her family within 12 hours of receiving the $6 million ransom, which would mean she's being held within a 700-mile radius of Tucson.

Feb 13, 2026 at 10:07 AM EST

Sheriff rejects claims of evidence dispute

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has pushed back against a Reuters report suggesting he blocked the FBI from testing key evidence in the case.

Speaking by phone with NBC affiliate KVOA, Nanos called the claim “not even close to the truth,” insisting there is no conflict between his department and federal agents over where gloves or other items should be analyzed.

Feb 13, 2026 at 09:56 AM EST

New suspect details give investigators fresh avenues in Guthrie case

Federal investigators have released a more precise description of the masked individual seen on Nancy Guthrie’s porch the morning she disappeared, marking one of the most significant developments in the case to date. According to the FBI, the person is believed to be a man between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall, carrying a black 25‑liter Ozark Trail hiker pack.

The backpack detail is especially important. Ozark Trail is Walmart’s in‑house brand, sold exclusively through its stores and website. With that information confirmed, investigators can now review recent purchases of that specific model in the Tucson area, potentially narrowing the pool of individuals who bought the pack in the weeks or months before Guthrie vanished.

If authorities can match a purchase to a name or obtain surveillance footage of someone buying the backpack, they can cross‑reference that information with driver’s license records and other identifiers to identify possible suspects.

Meanwhile, investigators have asked residents within a two‑mile radius of Guthrie’s home to turn over any doorbell‑camera footage from January and early February, hoping to spot suspicious vehicles or patterns of movement. It remains unclear how the person seen in the recovered video arrived at the home, and officials increasingly believe the individual may have been familiar with the neighborhood.

Feb 13, 2026 at 09:43 AM EST

Nancy Grace criticizes sheriff over handling of evidence in Guthrie case

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Legal commentator and Crime Stories host Nancy Grace is sharply criticizing Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos amid reports that he blocked the FBI from testing key evidence in the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie. Appearing on Fox News’ Hannity, Grace argued that sending crucial DNA to a private lab in Florida rather than the FBI’s Quantico facility could jeopardize the investigation.

Grace said specialty labs can be useful in rare cases involving degraded samples, but insisted the FBI’s forensic capabilities far exceed those of private facilities. She warned that if a small amount of touch DNA inside a recovered glove is consumed during testing, investigators may lose their only chance at a match.

Nanos pushed back on the criticism, telling Tucson station KVOA that claims of conflict with federal agents are “not even close to the truth.” The sheriff has faced heightened scrutiny as the case continues to draw national attention.

Earlier this week, investigators released doorbell‑camera footage showing an armed, masked individual tampering with Guthrie’s front‑door camera. A glove resembling the one worn in the video was later found in nearby desert brush.

The debate over evidence handling has spilled onto social media, with former Fox News host Megyn Kelly calling the situation “infighting” and CNN commentator Xochitl Hinojosa arguing that the FBI should lead any abduction investigation.

Feb 13, 2026 at 09:30 AM EST

Sheriff says investigators have ‘good leads’ as FBI releases new details on suspect

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says investigators are pursuing “good leads” in the search for 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie, though there is still no clear indication of where she may be, according to Tucson affiliate KOLD. His comments came the same day the FBI released additional information about the masked individual seen in surveillance footage recovered from Guthrie’s front porch.

Federal authorities now describe the person as a man between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black 25‑liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack — a model sold exclusively through Walmart stores and its website. Investigators hope the distinctive pack may help someone recognize the individual or recall a relevant sighting.

The FBI also increased the reward for information leading to Guthrie or an arrest to $100,000, underscoring the urgency of the case as local and federal teams continue canvassing neighborhoods, analyzing evidence and reviewing thousands of tips.

Feb 13, 2026 at 09:16 AM EST

Blood outside Nancy Guthrie’s front door suggests she was ‘coughing up blood’ or had nose bleed, says forensic expert

The blood splatter spotted outside Nancy Guthrie's front door after her abduction suggests that she was coughing up blood when she left her home, a forensic pathologist told Fox News Digital.

"Nancy Guthrie is bleeding from some area, either the hands or the face," Dr. Michael Baden after analyzing images of the blood, which DNA testing has confirmed belongs to 84-year-old Guthrie.

"The nature of the blood spots with little pale centers or donut shapes are typical for drops that come from the nose or mouth, because they're mixed with air," they added. "That means she's coughing up blood or dripping from the nose. Otherwise, there would be a dripping from a cut from above, possibly from the hands or face."

Baden said that the significant blood droplets "indicate that it did not occur by innocent means" as there appeared to be no attempt to stem the bleeding.

Feb 13, 2026 at 09:03 AM EST

WATCH: Nancy Guthrie case is ‘unusual,’ says ex-FBI agent

Feb 13, 2026 at 08:57 AM EST

Timeline: What we know so far in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

Authorities have expanded their search and doubled the reward as the investigation into the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie intensifies. Guthrie was last seen on January 31 at her home in the Catalina Foothills outside Tucson, and officials now believe she was abducted. The case has drawn national attention, prompting door‑to‑door searches, forensic analysis, and a sweeping request for neighborhood surveillance footage.

Below is a detailed timeline of key events:

Saturday, Jan. 31

• 5:32 p.m. — Guthrie takes an Uber to a family dinner.
• 9:48 p.m. — A relative drops her off at home. The garage door opens and closes shortly afterward.

Sunday, Feb. 1

• 1:47 a.m. — Her doorbell camera disconnects.
• 2:12 a.m. — The system detects motion, though investigators initially believed no footage existed due to her lack of a Nest subscription.
• 2:28 a.m. — Guthrie’s pacemaker app stops syncing with her phone.
• 11:56 a.m. — Family members check on her after she misses church.
• 12:03 p.m. — A missing‑person report is filed.
• 12:15 p.m. — Deputies arrive and launch a search using drones and K‑9 units.
• 6:46 p.m. — The sheriff’s department publicly announces her disappearance.

Monday, Feb. 2

• Authorities say they believe Guthrie was taken against her will.
• Local station KOLD receives an email resembling a ransom note with deadlines.
• Savannah Guthrie asks for prayers on Instagram.

Tuesday, Feb. 3

• A source tells the AP that investigators found signs of forced entry.
• The president calls the situation “terrible.”

Wednesday, Feb. 4

• Investigators return to the home for follow‑up work.
• Savannah Guthrie posts a video appealing directly to her mother’s captor.

Thursday, Feb. 5

• DNA confirms blood on the front porch belongs to Guthrie.
• The FBI offers a $50,000 reward.

Friday, Feb. 6

• KOLD receives another message tied to the case; the FBI reviews it.
• Investigators continue canvassing the neighborhood.

Saturday, Feb. 7

• Savannah Guthrie and her siblings post another plea, saying they are willing to pay.

Sunday, Feb. 8

• Detectives conduct follow‑up searches at multiple locations, including an underground tank behind the home.

Monday, Feb. 9

• Savannah Guthrie posts that the family is in an “hour of desperation.”
• The FBI says it is unaware of ongoing communication with a kidnapper.

Tuesday, Feb. 10

• The FBI recovers doorbell‑camera footage showing an armed person tampering with the device.
• Savannah Guthrie shares the images publicly.
• A man is detained during a traffic stop but later released.
• Investigators search a site in Rio Rico.

Wednesday, Feb. 11

• Authorities confirm the detained man was released.
• Hundreds of personnel search neighborhoods and desert terrain near the homes of Nancy and her daughter.

Thursday, Feb. 12

• Investigators ask residents within two miles to share any footage from the past month.
• The FBI doubles the reward to $100,000.
• Officials release a description of the person seen in the recovered video: a man of average build, about 5'9", wearing a black 25‑liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack.

Feb 13, 2026 at 08:51 AM EST

FBI releases description of person seen on Guthrie’s porch

Federal investigators have released additional details about the individual captured on surveillance video outside Nancy Guthrie’s home the night she disappeared. According to the FBI, the person appears to be a man of average build, standing roughly 5 feet 9 inches tall.

In the footage, the individual is seen wearing a black 25‑liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack — a detail authorities hope may help the public recognize the suspect or recall relevant sightings. The backpack is one of the clearest identifiers visible in the recovered video, which shows the person approaching Guthrie’s front door shortly before she went missing.

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Feb 13, 2026 at 08:45 AM EST

Winter storm could hamper evidence search in Tucson disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

A winter weather system moving across southern Arizona on Friday is expected to bring steady rain and possible thunderstorms to Tucson, raising concerns about how the conditions could affect the search for evidence in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie.

Forecasters with the National Weather Service in Tucson project a quarter- to a half-inch of rain across the metro area, with thunderstorms possible through the afternoon and evening. The incoming moisture is part of a broader winter pattern sweeping the region.

For investigators, the timing adds another layer of difficulty. Outdoor crime scenes are particularly vulnerable to “loss, contamination, and deleterious change of physical evidence in a relatively short period of time,” according to the National Institute of Justice. Rain, wind, and other environmental factors can accelerate that degradation, potentially limiting what law enforcement can recover.

Despite the weather, federal officials say their work will continue uninterrupted.

“The FBI will continue our investigation regardless of weather conditions,” said Connor Hagan, public affairs officer for FBI Phoenix. “Bringing Nancy home is our priority.”

Feb 13, 2026 at 08:40 AM EST

Recovered Guthrie footage raises new questions about smart-home data and privacy

The recovery of security‑camera footage in the disappearance of 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie is prompting fresh scrutiny of how much data smart‑home devices retain — even when users don’t pay for storage. Experts told Reuters that the delay in locating the video likely stemmed from the way Google stores unorganized, backend data, but the fact that the footage existed at all has alarmed privacy advocates.

Investigators initially believed no video survived because Guthrie did not subscribe to Nest’s paid service, which is required for extended storage. Yet the FBI later announced it had retrieved clips from “residual data located in backend systems,” a process that may have required engineers to reconstruct raw fragments from Google’s servers.

Former FBI agent Jeff Lanza said such data can persist even when users assume it has been overwritten. “Even if a device is not actively connected or subscribed, data may remain stored in cloud servers or backups,” he told Reuters.

Google has not commented publicly beyond confirming it is assisting investigators. But the ability to recover footage from non‑subscribers has intensified concerns about how much information companies retain and how it may be used. Privacy scholars note that machine‑learning systems rely on large volumes of video to improve recognition tools, creating incentives for companies to store more data than consumers realize.

Some Nest models offer limited free “event history,” and all users must agree to Google’s processing of audio and video data. The broader smart‑home camera market continues to grow rapidly, even as advocates warn that footage can be vulnerable to misuse — citing past cases in which security employees exploited access to customer feeds.

Despite those risks, experts say many consumers continue to trade privacy for convenience, often without understanding how much information remains on the back end. The Guthrie case has now thrust that tension into the national spotlight, raising questions about transparency, data retention and the balance between investigative value and personal privacy.

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