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By Tuesday, the sheriff admitted that progress has been slow. NBC’s “Today” show reported Wednesday that authorities have not identified any solid suspects or viable leads, even several days into the investigation.
“We don’t know where she is,” Nanos told reporters, explaining that investigators are working outward from the last confirmed sighting of Nancy Guthrie and attempting to reconstruct events from there.
Sheriff Nanos has also emphasized that Guthrie did not leave her home voluntarily. He said she had limited mobility and suffered from a medical condition that could become life-threatening if she went more than 24 hours without necessary medication.
Adding to the concern, the Los Angeles Times reported that blood was discovered inside the home. A law enforcement source later told Fox News that there were “blood drops” leading from the front door down a pathway toward the driveway.
When questioned directly about those reports, Nanos declined to confirm the findings, stating that forensic testing was still underway and that no evidence had yet pointed investigators toward a specific suspect. He also acknowledged signs of a forced entry.
“I’m not saying there’s blood inside that house or outside that house,” Nanos said, offering no additional details about the evidence collected from the scene.
The lack of clarity has drawn criticism from experts who say transparency can play a crucial role in mobilizing the public. Many believe Tuesday’s press conference raised more questions than it answered.
Callahan Walsh, co-host of “America’s Most Wanted,” expressed disappointment with the limited information shared.
“It’s really unfortunate that very little has been provided to the public. I was hoping at this press conference that something would be released – a break in the investigation, a direction that they’re headed, some hope for the family or actionable information for the public to assist. There just wasn’t any of that. It was mostly questions that were being asked by the media, and pretty vague or no answers provided,” Walsh told Fox News.
Another unresolved issue is whether Nancy Guthrie may have been targeted because of her daughter’s national profile. When pressed on the possibility, Sheriff Nanos did not rule it out.
“We’re looking at all the leads, and we don’t know,” Nanos said. “We’re going to assume both sides of that.”
Walsh said the theory cannot be dismissed, given Savannah Guthrie’s visibility.
“It’s very possible that she was targeted because of who her daughter is,” Walsh said. “Her daughter’s a high-profile television personality on the ‘Today’ show, somebody that people see in their homes and on their television screens regularly. There absolutely could be somebody out there that has a grudge against Savannah and has taken it out on her mother, and let’s hope that’s not the case.”
During an appearance on MS NOW on Tuesday, Nanos stated that Nancy Guthrie was “physically removed from that home against her will,” but again declined to clarify whether she suffered injuries.
He also said investigators do not yet know whether the individual responsible was someone Guthrie knew or a complete stranger.
Several of Guthrie’s personal belongings — including her cell phone, Apple Watch, wallet, and car keys — were found inside the home, deepening fears that she never intended to leave.
Late Tuesday, the sheriff’s department confirmed it was “aware” of reports regarding a possible ransom note. TMZ reported that a letter demanded a “substantial amount” of money in exchange for Guthrie’s return.
“We are aware of reports circulating about possible ransom note(s) regarding the investigation into Nancy Guthrie,” officials said in a written statement.
“Anything that comes in, goes directly to our detectives who are coordinating with the FBI,” the statement added.
As the investigation continues, the silence from authorities has left a family, and a nation, waiting for answers — and hoping for a safe resolution.
