Amid the heartbreak of Savannah Guthrie’s mother, Nancy, vanishing from her Tucson home just over a week ago, the investigation has taken a bizarre turn. The Pima County Sheriff, Chris Nanos, was spotted enjoying a college basketball game right as the Guthrie family pleaded for their elderly mother’s return. It’s hard to imagine the confusion and sorrow her children must feel—Savannah, sitting beside her siblings Annie and Camron in an Instagram video, begging kidnappers to contact them, saying, “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is very valuable to us, and we will pay.” Her voice must tremble with raw emotion.
Sheriff Nanos, a man with 50 years in law enforcement, is now under intense scrutiny. Sources close to the case criticize his decision to attend the University of Arizona vs. Oklahoma State game, calling it insensitive and a poor judgment during such a high-profile search. One anonymous source expressed shock: “I don’t think it was good for him to do it. He’s a major part of the investigation, so it didn’t look good to me.” It feels almost sympathetic to think of the pressure on Nanos, who’s dealt with political scandals in the past, but right now, the family’s pain overshadows everything.
Adding to the frustration, Nanos admitted to early missteps in the investigation. He confessed that Nancy’s home was released as a crime scene too quickly, forcing a return for more evidence, and other agencies weren’t called in promptly. A law enforcement source slammed the delay: “Three hours in a search for a vulnerable adult is an eternity.” It’s agonizing to picture elderly Nancy, 84, out there somewhere, her family desperate for answers while bureaucracy and errors hinder the rescue.
The sheriff’s leadership style has long raised eyebrows, with allegations of demoting key staff, like a skilled pilot who was removed over a dispute, crippling the search efforts. Union officials highlighted how Nanos transferred experienced personnel without replacements, leaving resources short during this critical time. Humanly, it begs the question: How does a leader sleep, knowing lives hang in the balance due to internal strife?
Critics on social media have unleashed on Nanos, calling him a “bumbling idiot,” yet his career spans decades, starting in corrections and rising through violent crimes. However, recent controversies, like an election marred by placing opponents on leave and a botched sexual assault inquiry, paint a picture of a flawed figure. For the Guthries, this isn’t politics—it’s personal loss.
As officials offer a $50,000 reward and await proofs of life from ransom notes, the mystery deepens. No suspects yet, but the family’s plea tugs at hearts: peace hinged on reuniting with their mother. In moments like these, we all hope for compassion from those in charge, for Nancy’s safe return before more tears fall.
