Kash Patel, Arizona Sheriff Clash Over Handling of Investigation into Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

Updated on: May 6, 2026 / 11:00 AM EDT / CBS News

Kash Patel, Arizona Sheriff Clash Over Handling of Investigation into Nancy Guthrie Disappearance

TL;DR

  • FBI Director Kash Patel claims the Pima County Sheriff's Department delayed FBI involvement in the Nancy Guthrie case.
  • Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos disputes Patel's claims, asserting FBI coordination started without delay.
  • Patel criticized local officials for not immediately utilizing the FBI lab in Quantico for DNA analysis.
  • Nanos stated that evidence processing decisions were based on operational needs and that collaboration with the FBI lab continues.
  • Nancy Guthrie, mother of 'Today' show co-host Savannah Guthrie, disappeared from her Tucson home over three months ago.
  • Guthrie's family has been cleared of any involvement in her disappearance.