In a surprising turn of events in the missing Nancy Guthrie case, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has blocked the FBI from accessing key physical evidence, a US law enforcement official told Reuters.
A banner hangs outside News 4 Tucson on February 12, 2026 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images via AFP) (Getty Images via AFP)According to the official, the FBI requested that items from Guthrie’s home be sent to its national forensics lab in Quantico, Virginia, for advanced testing. Sheriff Nanos, however, insisted that the materials would instead be processed at an independent laboratory in Florida.
It comes as the search for Nancy enters its 12th day, with federal and local authorities canvassing the roadway and reviewing surveillance footage.
Read more: Derrick Calella released after fraudulent ransom note to Guthrie family
Why did Nanos block the FBI from evidence in the Guthrie case?Primary jurisdiction over the case rests with the Pima County Sheriff, and the county is legally prohibited from participating in an FBI investigation unless the county formally requests FBI assistance.
The county has already paid about $200,000, officials told Reuters, to send evidence in the Guthrie case to a Florida lab with which the county has a contract.
The official highlighted that Nanos’ move is essentially preventing the FBI from accessing key evidence in the case.
“It risks further slowing down a case that is becoming more urgent by the minute,” the official said.
The official also noted that using federal technology and resources is essential for speedy movement of cases. “Anything less will only prolong the Guthrie family’s grief and the community’s wait for justice,” the official told Reuters.
Also read: Nancy Guthrie case: Experts share insights on Tommaso Cioni, Dominic Evans
The FBI has now updated the reward to $100kThe FBI on Thursday afternoon increased the reward for any leads in the missing Nancy Guthrie case to $100,000 after they provided additional information about the suspect captured on security footage of Nancy’s residence.
Forensic examination of doorbell camera footage by the FBI Operational Technology Division helped law enforcement obtain additional information about the suspect.
“We hope this updated description will help focus on the public tips we are receiving,” the FBI release read.
The camera footage was released last week.
