TUCSON, Ariz. — A federal law enforcement source has revealed that Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos is preventing the FBI from accessing critical evidence in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie from her Tucson home.

The conflict revolves around where the evidence, including a glove and DNA found at Guthrie’s residence, should be tested. Federal officials have requested that the items be sent to the FBI’s national crime laboratory in Quantico, Virginia, for processing. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office, the primary agency investigating Guthrie’s vanishing on Feb. 1, 2026, has instead pushed to use a private lab in Florida, according to the source.

This dispute marks the latest tension between local and federal authorities as the search for Guthrie, last seen in the early morning hours of that Sunday, approaches two weeks. As the case unfolds, questions arise about why Sheriff Nanos has not sought FBI assistance sooner and whether local decisions are delaying potential breakthroughs. A federal official, speaking to Reuters, expressed frustration over the pace of progress.

Early Developments in the Guthrie Disappearance

Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home in the early morning of Feb. 1, 2026, and was reported missing later that day. According to Fox News, the Pima County Sheriff’s Office took the lead in the investigation, as the FBI can only assist if requested by local authorities. The case has since drawn significant attention due to its mysterious circumstances.

By Feb. 6, FBI agents were canvassing homes near Guthrie’s residence, seeking clues or witnesses. Just days later, on Feb. 11, law enforcement searched vegetation close to her property in hopes of uncovering new leads. Earlier this week, both agencies released surveillance footage showing a masked suspect approaching Guthrie’s front door shortly before she disappeared.

The footage has heightened public concern, yet the lack of coordination between agencies adds another layer of complexity. A federal source noted unspecified “earlier setbacks” in the case, hinting at ongoing challenges. The FBI has also raised its reward to $100,000 for information leading to Guthrie’s return or an arrest.

Evidence Dispute Fuels Agency Tensions

The core of the current conflict lies in Sheriff Nanos’s insistence on using a private lab in Florida, despite federal requests to process evidence at Quantico. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office has reportedly spent around $200,000 on testing at this contracted facility. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from federal officials.

“It risks further slowing a case that grows more urgent by the minute,” an unnamed official told Reuters. The sentiment reflects a broader concern that local choices may hinder rapid results. With time ticking, every delay feels like a missed opportunity to bring answers to Guthrie’s family.

The same official added, “It’s clear the fastest path to answers is leveraging federal resources and technology.” They argued that anything less only extends the suffering of Guthrie’s loved ones and the community’s wait for justice. The Pima County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the matter.

Why This Story Matters

Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is more than a local tragedy; it underscores the critical need for seamless cooperation between law enforcement agencies. When tensions arise, as seen in this evidence dispute, the public’s trust in the system can erode. Communities rely on authorities to prioritize resolution over jurisdiction.

This case also highlights the vulnerability felt by residents in Tucson and beyond when a neighbor vanishes without a trace. It serves as a reminder to remain vigilant and engaged with local safety initiatives. Stories like Guthrie’s resonate because they could happen anywhere, urging us to demand accountability from those tasked with protecting us.

Finally, the escalating reward and released footage show the urgency law enforcement feels to solve this case. The community’s role in providing tips could be pivotal. Every shared detail brings hope for closure in a case that grips the region.

Lessons to Learn

While the details of Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance remain unclear, there are practical steps individuals can take to enhance personal safety. However, it’s vital to remember that crime can strike anyone, regardless of precautions, and we must never blame the victim.

Consider the following measures to stay vigilant:

1. Install surveillance cameras or video doorbells to monitor activity around your home, as seen with the footage of a suspect in this case
2. Build relationships with neighbors to create a watchful community network
3. Report suspicious behavior immediately to local authorities, even if it seems minor.

As the search for Nancy Guthrie nears two weeks, the conflict between Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos and the FBI over evidence testing at a private lab versus Quantico continues to stall progress. Surveillance footage of a masked suspect, searches near her Tucson home on Feb. 11, and a $100,000 reward reflect the urgency of the case that began with her disappearance on Feb. 1. The community awaits answers amid growing tensions between local and federal authorities, hoping for resolution in a mystery that deepens by the day.