Sheriff defends release of ransom notes as investigators examine thousands of videos and sources call for FBI takeover

Six months after 84‑year‑old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Catalina Foothills home near Tucson, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos released the full text of two ransom notes that assert she died of a heart condition and was buried in nature, though no body has been found. DNA analysis later confirmed dried blood at the scene belonged to Guthrie, and critics have highlighted mishandling of that evidence. Criminal‑behavior expert Gary Brucato said the notes suggest three participants with different motives, including a “porch guy” who may have carried out the kidnapping.

Sources are demanding that the FBI assume primary control of the probe, a claim the sheriff has dismissed. Investigators are examining tens of thousands of video recordings, aided by technology companies, in hopes of generating new leads.