The Pima County Sheriff has definitively cleared all members of Savannah Guthrie’s family, including her brother-in-law Tommaso Cioni, as suspects in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. This announcement, made on February 16th by Sheriff Chris Nanos, directly contradicts earlier claims from media personalities, specifically Ashleigh Banfield of NewsNation, who publicly identified Cioni as a “prime suspect” based on unnamed law enforcement sources.
Timeline of Conflicting Reports
The Guthrie family was cleared “in the first few days” of the investigation, according to Nanos. Despite this early conclusion, speculation persisted, with Banfield alleging connections between Annie Guthrie’s car and Cioni, suggesting potential involvement in the 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance after she was last seen alive on January 31st at 9:48 PM. Nanos has now publicly demanded that media outlets cease further speculation, emphasizing the family’s cooperation and victim status.
Law Enforcement Response
Sheriff Nanos expressed frustration with the continued media scrutiny, stating, “People are hurting. They are victims. I am saying they are clear. We have cleared them.” His statement, shared via X, explicitly denies any suspicion toward the Guthrie family, calling allegations otherwise “wrong” and “cruel.” The Sheriff’s decision to speak out reflects a broader concern about the impact of unverified reporting on those involved in traumatic events.
The Broader Context
This case highlights the dangers of relying on anonymous sources in high-profile investigations. Banfield’s claims, though presented as fact, were never substantiated by official statements, leading to unnecessary distress for the Guthrie family. The incident raises questions about journalistic standards, particularly when reporting on active investigations where speculation can harm those directly affected. The Sheriff’s intervention underscores the ethical responsibility of law enforcement to protect victims while investigations are underway.
Anyone with information regarding Nancy Guthrie’s case is urged to contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at https://tips.fbi.gov/home.
The Guthrie family has been fully exonerated, and continued unfounded speculation is detrimental to the ongoing investigation.
