The Pima County Sheriff's department is facing fresh criticism over its handling of the search for missing 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie after a social media update caused widespread confusion.
Post triggers misunderstanding
Late Thursday, the department posted a brief update that read, "Update: Nancy has been located."
For many following the case, it appeared to signal a breakthrough in the search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie. However, the message referred to a different person: Nancy Radakovich, an 82-year-old woman with a similar appearance.
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The lack of a last name in the post led to the confusion. The issue was compounded by an image stamped with "LOCATED", making it difficult to immediately identify who the update was about.
Update: Nancy has been located. https://t.co/bS6yuRL1J3 pic.twitter.com/pVX7Xz5ekK
— Pima County Sheriff's Department (@PimaSheriff) April 17, 2026
Strong reaction online
The post quickly drew criticism, with users accusing the department of being careless or misleading.
"I LITERALLY THOUGHT THIS WAS NANCY GUTHRIE. THE WAY MY HEART JUST DROPPED!" one user wrote on X.
Another added, "You knew what you were doing with that title. What the h*ll!"
Frustration extended to broader concerns about the department's functioning. "I'm beginning to think Pima County Sheriff's Department is actually a satirical organization. It's the only explanation for this post. Do you guys require a civil service exam or are you a take what we can get department," one user wrote.
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Others posted, "What an embarrassing police department to do that. Nice that they found her though, but wow," and "Could've used her whole name. Glad she is found but this seems deliberate," among several similar reactions.
One user wrote, "THE F*CK?!?! NOW CLICK BAIT? The sheriff need a new hair styling and needed the monetary payoff? From the sheriff to the media team, all need removal. Pima County you deserve better than these morons. What a fucking disaster PIMA County is."
Another comment read, "I swear to God this twitter account is ran by Mr. Magoo."
Case under scrutiny
The confusion comes as the department continues its investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance from her home in Tucson, Arizona on February 1. She has now been missing for over 11 weeks, with no suspect identified so far.
In a statement posted on April 16, the department said, "PCSD has worked with the FBI since the beginning of the Guthrie investigation. This is not new information," adding, "The private lab we utilise in Florida continues to share information with the FBI lab & other partner labs across the country. DNA analysis remains ongoing."
Investigation updates
According to journalist Brian Entin, "Some DNA evidence from Nancy Guthrie's home has been sent to the FBI's lab for advanced analysis. I am told the evidence includes hairs found in Guthrie's home. This comes after evidence has already been tested through a Florida lab the Pima County Sheriff's Office uses."
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Earlier tests in the FBI's CODIS database found no matches, while another DNA sample was too weak to form a full profile. Blood found at the scene was confirmed to be Guthrie’s, and a glove recovered nearby did not match any known individuals.
Authorities and the Guthrie family continue to seek public help, with a $1 million reward offered for her safe return.
