As the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie entered its fifth day, authorities said they continue to believe she is alive and remain focused on bringing her home.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed the press and said investigators believe Guthrie is “still out there,” reinforcing that law enforcement has not lost hope as the investigation moves forward.
Officials said search efforts remain active as teams continue working through leads.
No Suspect Identified as Investigation Continues
Authorities confirmed that there is still no suspect or person of interest in the case.
“We’re not there yet,” Nanos told reporters, addressing questions about possible developments in the investigation.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department said investigators are continuing to follow up on information as it comes in and coordinate with partner agencies.
Sheriff Nanos did not directly respond to a question about whether investigators have received proof that Nancy Guthrie is still alive.
“Anything to deal with the ransom notes, that I would defer to the FBI, but no, to my knowledge, we’re still looking for Nancy,” Nanos said in the press conference.
He later added that investigators are operating under the belief that she is still alive unless they learn otherwise.
Sheriff Confirms DNA Evidence Found at Home
NBCUniversalDuring the briefing, Nanos also confirmed that blood found on the porch outside Guthrie’s home tested positive for her DNA, underscoring the seriousness of the case.
Authorities have not provided additional details about the evidence, but said it remains part of the ongoing investigation.
Officials reiterated that all findings are being carefully reviewed as they work to determine what happened.
‘We Really Just Want Mom Back,’ Sheriff Says
At the start of his press conference, Nanos spoke with empathy about the pain Guthrie’s family is going through and acknowledged the emotional weight of the search.
“The family, you know, they just hurt,” Nanos said. “Understandably so, and so I really want you to know this entire team here — those behind me and our community — are hurting with you. We really just want mom back.”
Sheriff Nanos Addresses Reports of Forced Entry at Nancy Guthrie’s Home
NBCUniversalSheriff Chris Nanos said he does not know the source of reports circulating in the media about a possible forced entry at Nancy Guthrie’s home and emphasized that investigators are not discussing that aspect of the case.
“We have been very consistent; we are not discussing that at all,” Nanos said. “Whether it’s forced entry or not forced entry, that is something we’re just not discussing.”
As the search continues, authorities urged anyone with information to come forward.
At the time of writing this story, investigators said they remain hopeful and focused on reuniting Nancy with her family.
I don’t think that they are telling us all the details from this, there’s definitely more to this.