Sheriff reveals key change in handling of Nancy Guthrie kidnapping investigation

Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie have confirmed that direct communication with her family is no longer being handled by the lead sheriff.

The high-profile kidnapping case continues to develop, according to a report published by PEOPLE.

“If they need the family for anything, they get in touch with them and the family. It works both ways,” Nanos said, referring to coordination between investigators and federal authorities.

Nancy Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on February 1 after authorities said she was believed to have been taken against her will from her home in Tucson, Arizona. Since then, federal investigators have released surveillance footage showing a masked individual appearing to interfere with her doorbell camera overnight. No suspects have been identified.

Earlier in the investigation, Sheriff Nanos had said he maintained occasional direct contact with Savannah Guthrie, the Today show host and Nancy’s daughter. However, he now confirmed that those communications have shifted entirely to formal investigative channels.

Savannah Guthrie has continued to speak publicly about her mother’s disappearance, sharing emotional messages on social media and calling for her safe return. She briefly stepped away from her hosting duties on Today before returning in April.

In a recent Mother’s Day tribute, she wrote: “Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie — we miss you with our every breath. We will never stop looking for you.”

The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities reviewing thousands of pieces of video evidence as they continue efforts to locate Nancy Guthrie and identify those responsible for her disappearance.