Gabby Petito's Dad Supports 'Frustrating' Nancy Guthrie Search Amid Misleading Clues

A Father’s Reflection on the Search for a Missing Woman

Joe Petito, the father of Gabby Petito, has shared his thoughts on the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, the mother of Today Show host Savannah Guthrie. His comments come amid a series of challenges in the investigation, including false leads and missteps that have complicated the process.

Gabby Petito, 22, disappeared in August 2021 while on a cross-country road trip with her fiancé Brian Laundrie. After a frantic month-long search, authorities found her remains near Grand Teton Park in Wyoming. The case took a tragic turn when Brian Laundrie’s remains were later discovered nearby, with officials confirming he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

Joe Petito spoke about the similarities between his daughter's case and the search for Nancy Guthrie. He emphasized the difficulties caused by false leads and misinformation, which can make the search for a missing person even more challenging.

'A lot of outside influence will try to give an opinion,' Joe said about the investigation into the missing 84-year-old. 'They're the only ones that have all of the information or as much as possible. So I just hope they're listening to what they feel is best.'

He also reflected on the emotional toll of the situation, expressing empathy for the Guthrie family. 'Savannah's mom, from my understanding, needs medicine and care that she might not be getting and that's got to be weighing on them just the same and that's an absolute shame, my prayers to them.'

Challenges in the Investigation

The Arizona sheriff's department leading the investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance has been blocking the FBI from accessing a glove and DNA found inside her home. This has raised concerns among federal officials, who believe that using federal resources could expedite the process.

Federal officials have reportedly asked Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos for the glove and DNA found inside Nancy's home so they could be processed at the FBI's national crime lab at Quantico, Virginia. However, Nanos has denied the request, instead sending the evidence for testing at a private lab in Florida.

'It risks further slowing a case that grows more urgent by the minute,' a federal law enforcement official told Reuters. 'The Pima County Sheriff's Department has already spent roughly $200,000 on sending evidence to the Florida lab, with which the department contracts.'

The source also criticized the sheriff's department for earlier setbacks in the investigation and for not requesting FBI assistance earlier. 'It's clear the fastest path to answers is leveraging federal resources and technology,' the official said. 'Anything less only prolongs the Guthrie family's grief and the community's wait for justice.'

Urgency and Concerns

Nancy Guthrie was last seen by her daughter Annie and son-in-law on January 31. She was reported missing the next morning after she failed to show up at a friend's house to watch virtual church services. Since then, she has not been seen or heard from, and her children have repeatedly pleaded with the public for any help finding their mother.

Authorities believe Nancy was forcibly taken from her home. Police have received 13,000 tips from the community regarding her disappearance. The media and the family have also received multiple ransom notes with deadlines, demands, and conditions for her return, but at least one was reported to be fake.

Other sightings of a man lurking near Guthrie's home and an unmarked white van parked in her neighborhood have thus far gone unresolved. The elderly woman's state of health has added another layer of urgency to the investigation.

'She’s 84 years old,' Savannah said in a February 4 video plea. 'Her health, her heart is fragile. She lives in constant pain. She is without any medicine. She needs it to survive. She needs it not to suffer.'

A Call for Justice

Gabby's grieving father offered his prayers and condolences to the Guthrie family. 'My prayers to them,' Joe said. 'I hope this ends with Nancy coming home safe and sound and whoever did this behind bars.' His words reflect the deep concern and empathy felt by many as the search for Nancy continues.