Nancy Guthrie update: Pima County union prez flags ‘big misstep,’ claims inexperienced detectives hindered case
A union representative for Pima County sheriff's deputies claimed that inexperienced detectives and early missteps affected the Nancy Guthrie investigation.
The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance is facing criticism, with union leader Sergeant Aaron Cross claiming the early team had limited homicide experience and struggled with coordination. Cross told TMZ that some investigators assigned after Guthrie disappeared had only three years of experience, which he deemed inadequate for a major homicide investigation.
He also noted that the lead sergeant on the case had only been promoted in 2023 before moving from patrol to homicide, suggesting he was not the right person for the unit. Cross stated that the detectives were "novice homicide detectives" and that you can't even call yourself a homicide detective until you've been through a trial, taking time to learn the ropes.
He also explained that two of the department's most senior homicide detectives were transferred earlier because they were handling investigations and had a suspect, which led to them being moved out of homicide to cold cases. Cross did not believe there were any specific investigative steps missed but described weak tracking of interviews and assignments.
The biggest misstep, according to Cross, was releasing the crime scene shortly after the investigation began, allowing the Guthrie family to see it the next day. He also mentioned tensions between the Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI, crediting the FBI for finding key evidence through Ring camera footage. Sheriff Chris Nanos, who has faced criticism over the investigation, has been with the case for six months, sharing a message of continued effort and concern for the Guthrie family.
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