Ex-Las Vegas police lieutenant warns cartel may be behind Nancy Guthrie kidnapping

WASHINGTON, DC: The search for Savannah Guthrie’s 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, continues as former Las Vegas police lieutenant Randy Sutton cautioned that authorities should not dismiss the possibility of Mexican cartel involvement in her disappearance.

Nancy Guthrie went missing from her Arizona home on January 31, with investigators finding signs of a break-in and blood at the scene, suggesting she may have been abducted. Law enforcement continues to follow leads, though no suspects or persons of interest have been publicly identified.

Randy Sutton highlights cartel kidnapping patterns

On February 6, Sutton told Fox News' 'The Ingraham Angle' that investigators should consider the involvement of foreign actors. “Remember that this location has very close proximity to the Mexican border,” Sutton said. “Law enforcement sources I’ve spoken to say cartel kidnappings are rare in the Tucson area, but not impossible.”

Sutton added that areas near Phoenix have seen kidnappings for ransom, a known tactic of cartels. “It absolutely should not be discounted if a foreign actor is involved here. Cartels are very methodical in their power plays and kidnapping operations,” he said.

Federal and local authorities, including the FBI, are reviewing the case to determine whether it aligns with past kidnapping-for-ransom patterns. Sutton emphasized that authorities are examining all operational methods previously used by kidnappers for potential similarities.

Sheriff Nanos says Nancy Guthrie is alive

Sheriff Chris Nanos said he believes Nancy Guthrie is still alive and was taken from her home against her will. “What I believe is that Nancy was removed from her home against her will, and that we need to find her,” Nanos said. “She’s still alive.”

Officials confirmed they have received a “new message” regarding the case, though details remain undisclosed. Investigators are pursuing all leads and interviewing anyone who may have been near the property, including a landscape crew, pool maintenance staff, and other service providers. Nanos noted that all individuals contacted have been cooperative and provided helpful information.

Authorities are continuing their search under the assumption that Nancy Guthrie is alive until physical evidence suggests otherwise. The FBI has also said the family will make any decisions regarding potential ransom demands.

The case has captured national attention, and law enforcement urges anyone with information to come forward.