Aaron Cross shouts at detectives after Nancy Guthrie disappears

Aaron Cross, the head of the Pima County Deputies Organization, has publicly questioned the qualifications of the detectives working on the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today coanchor Savannah Guthrie.

He said the homicide unit assigned to the case consists largely of officers with limited experience in such investigations. The comments came after more than six months had passed since Nancy was reported missing in January.

Cross explained that the lead detective, who was promoted to sergeant only in 2023, entered homicide work rapidly after a patrol assignment and was assigned to the case shortly thereafter. He noted that the detective had never worked in homicide before being placed in charge of the investigation.

Cross, such a quick transition is unusual because assignments are typically made by command rather than by the individual officer.

Nancy Guthrie was first reported missing on January 15, and the investigation has attracted national attention because of her daughter Savannah Guthrie’s role as a cohost on Today. Over the past six months, search teams have canvassed the surrounding area, but no substantial leads or suspects have surfaced.

The case remains open with authorities continuing to pursue potential evidence.

## Background & Context

Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance was first reported on January 15, when she vanished from her Tucson home after a routine morning. Police conducted an initial sweep of the property and surrounding streets, but no signs of forced entry or struggle were found.

The case was officially classified as a missing persons investigation and later escalated to homicide status following the lack of progress.

Since the case opened, investigators have canvassed over a dozen neighborhoods, interviewed more than 200 witnesses, and reviewed surveillance footage from nearby businesses. The department has also coordinated with federal agencies, though public details of that collaboration are limited.

Despite these efforts, no arrest has been made and the search remains ongoing.

Family members have expressed frustration with the pace of the investigation, posting updates on social media and sharing images of Nancy’s photographs at public vigils. They have called for increased resources and more transparency from law‑enforcement officials.

The case continues to attract national attention, with several media outlets covering new developments as they arise.

## What the Union Claims

Cross stated that the detectives assigned to the case had a cumulative homicide experience of three years or less, labeling them as ‘novice’ investigators. He also noted that one of the detectives was promoted to sergeant only in 2023 and had no prior homicide assignments before being designated lead on Nancy’s case.

Cross described the rapid promotion as unusual because command typically assigns officers to units based on experience.

Cross, these detectives had only limited exposure to homicide investigations, having worked in the unit for a maximum of three years. He claimed that the department had not brought in an external mentor or experienced detective to guide the team through the complexities of the case.

Cross warned that officers cannot be considered true homicide detectives until they have handled a trial, implying that experience is essential for effective investigation.

Cross also criticized the department’s handling of the crime scene, saying it was returned to the family the day after it was initially secured. He suggested that such a quick relinquishment may have compromised evidence collection.

The union president expressed concern that the investigation had been prematurely closed by authorities, which he said could hinder future leads.

## Investigation Status and Official Response

Sheriff Chris Nanos has maintained that the department remains actively engaged in the search for Nancy Guthrie.

He posted a video on August 1 in which he affirmed that investigators were ‘fired up’ and committed to continuing hard work, stressing that the team’s energy had not diminished and that every possible avenue would be pursued by a dedicated team.

Nanos also emphasized that the investigation is ongoing and that resources are being allocated to pursue every viable lead, ensuring no stone is left unturned, in addition to coordinating with federal partners.

The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has not released additional details about the investigation, stating that it cannot share information at this time despite public pressure.

A spokesperson said the agency is operating under standard protocols and will provide updates when available, though no timeline has been disclosed to ensure transparency. The department’s silence has fueled speculation among the public and media regarding possible investigative shortcomings, and calls for greater accountability.

Family members have issued several public pleas, most notably Savannah Guthrie’s heartfelt Instagram post on August 1 in which she described her mother’s disappearance as a night‑time abduction. She called for continued investigation, urging authorities to remain vigilant and transparent throughout the process.

The case continues to attract national attention, with ongoing coverage of any new developments or leads that emerge, keeping the story in the public eye.

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remains unresolved, with law‑enforcement officials continuing to search for evidence. Union leaders and family members have called for greater transparency and resources, while the department maintains that it is working diligently.

As the case progresses, any new information will likely become a focal point for both the local community and national media. Stakeholders are monitoring developments closely, hoping that renewed investigative vigor or fresh leads will break the current stalemate.

Officials have urged the public to remain patient as investigations can take time, but they also emphasize that every potential lead is being pursued.