Tucson Investigation Returns to ‘Square One’ After Law Enforcement Activity Yields No Arrests in Nancy Guthrie Disappearance Case

Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association and former hostage negotiator, said Saturday that investigators appear to be “back to square one” in the disappearance case of Nancy Guthrie following a chaotic night of law enforcement activity in Tucson that ended with no arrests.

Smith stated authorities executed a search warrant at a residence and removed three individuals—“two males and an older female”—but later confirmed by the sheriff that “no one is in custody after last night’s activity.”

“This was progress because they served a search warrant,” Smith said, noting the removal of individuals. “They walked, we were told, three people out.”

She cautioned the investigation has not produced a confirmed suspect. “We’re making progress, Rita, but again, we’re sort of back to square one,” Smith added. “We can speculate all we want, this is what Randy and I have been doing for days, but we can’t create the narrative ourselves.”

Smith emphasized urgent needs for clearer communication from law enforcement. “That’s why some sort of press conference needs to happen,” she said, citing widespread community fear. “I live here, I have a lot of older friends, and they’re really horrified by this because all they can see is that masked guy coming to their front doorstep.”

Randy Sutton, founder of The Wounded Blue and a 34-year law enforcement veteran, described the scene as “mass confusion.” He said: “Last night was mass confusion. We really hoped this would be the big break. We saw incredible activity at the residence—people taken out and detained, vehicle stops.”

Sutton noted rumors spread rapidly due to limited official updates, with “literally we heard the most bizarre things taking place, including people being shot, people committing suicide.” He attributed the chaos to “a lack of communication from the sheriff to the people.”

While acknowledging tactical discretion is necessary, Sutton stressed transparency: “You have to temper that with good communications to the media and the people. Right now, literally, we have not one idea of where they are in progress with this investigation.”

Despite what appeared to be a major development late into the night, officials confirmed no arrests were made, leaving unanswered questions and a community still searching for clarity.