Early Search Decisions in Nancy Guthrie Case Raise Questions, According to Report
New reporting has raised questions about the early hours of the search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, after she was reported missing from her Tucson-area home.
According to information cited by the Daily Mail, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately deploy one of its specialized aerial search resources—a fixed-wing aircraft equipped with advanced thermal imaging—during the initial phase of the investigation.
The aircraft, known as Survey 1, was reportedly grounded for several hours after the search began.
Sources familiar with the department’s operations told the outlet that the delay may have been linked to staffing limitations within the sheriff’s aviation unit, including a shortage of qualified pilots at the time. The sheriff’s office has not publicly confirmed those claims.
What Was Used — and What Wasn’t
Authorities did deploy a helicopter shortly after Nancy Guthrie was reported missing. However, according to the report, the helicopter did not have the same high-resolution thermal imaging capabilities available on the fixed-wing aircraft.
The Cessna aircraft was ultimately launched later in the day, reportedly around 5:00 p.m. It remains unclear whether earlier deployment would have altered the course of the search.
Internal Concerns and Political Context
The report also cited comments from individuals connected to local law enforcement and political organizations who questioned whether internal staffing decisions may have affected operational readiness. Some noted that pilots previously assigned to the aviation unit had been reassigned in the months leading up to the case, though official reasons for those changes vary.
A member of the Pima County Board of Supervisors told the outlet that while it is impossible to know whether the timing had a direct impact, the situation naturally raises concerns when every hour matters.
The sheriff’s office has defended its handling of the case and emphasized that all available resources were mobilized as the situation developed.
Investigation Remains Active
Nancy Guthrie was last seen late Saturday night after being dropped off at her home in the Catalina Foothills area. Family members contacted authorities the following morning when she could not be reached. Investigators believe she did not leave voluntarily and continue to treat the case as a potential abduction.
Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, are now involved. Officials have stated that no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified, and they caution against speculation while the investigation remains ongoing.
Authorities have also noted that alleged ransom messages sent to media outlets are being examined, though details have not been fully confirmed.
A Case Still Unfolding
During a recent briefing, Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators are carefully reviewing timelines, physical evidence, and witness information, stressing that the case is far from resolved.
“This remains an active investigation,” he said, adding that officials are continuing to follow every lead available to them.
As with many high-profile cases, public attention has intensified scrutiny of early decisions. For now, authorities say their focus remains on locating Nancy Guthrie and determining exactly what occurred during the critical hours surrounding her disappearance.
