Ashleigh Banfield is standing by her claim that Savannah Guthrie’s brother-in-law “may be the prime suspect” in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie — even after the local Arizona sheriff on the case said there are zero suspects, calling the reporting “reckless.”
Banfield told the Status newsletter on Thursday that she is sticking to her reporting, which cited just one unnamed law enforcement source and aired on her podcast, despite repeated public denials from Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos.
“We don’t have anybody here listed as a suspect,” Nanos said at a press conference Thursday, stressing that investigators also have no persons of interest.
While he declined to rule anyone out — a standard investigative posture — he warned that naming a suspect without evidence could damage both the case and innocent people.
“Nobody’s eliminated, but we just really don’t have enough to say, ‘This is our suspect, this is our guy, we know — or our gal.’ We don’t know that,” he said.
“And it’s really kind of reckless to report that someone is a suspect when they could very well be a victim.”
Banfield’s producer told the Hollywood Reporter that she “stands by her reporting” and her “ironclad” source, even as the sheriff reiterated there is no evidence tying the brother-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, to the apparent kidnapping.
Banfield’s claims were briefly promoted by NewsNation in a digital story that was later updated with an editor’s note that included the sheriff’s comments after an inquiry. The NewsNation story that was initially posted contained the sheriff’s denial of Banfield’s claims.
Banfield, a former anchor for NewsNation, has also appeared on platforms including “The Megyn Kelly Show” and “Inside Edition.”
Law enforcement has said investigative steps cited by Banfield — including the towing of a family vehicle — were routine procedures, not indicators of suspicion.
The FBI has offered a $50,000 reward as the search for the missing 84-year-old mother of “TODAY” co-host Savannah Guthrie continues.
The Post has sought comment from Banfield, Savannah Guthrie and Cioni.
The search for Nancy Guthrie entered its sixth day on Friday with no suspects or persons of interest identified, according to authorities.
The FBI has joined the investigation alongside the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, deploying personnel and technical resources and launching a national publicity push.
Nanos confirmed that blood found on the porch belonged to Nancy Guthrie and her doorbell camera was removed, with investigators believing she was taken from her home around 2:30 a.m. Sunday.
An alleged ransom note demanded millions of dollars’ worth of bitcoin ahead of two deadlines, cops revealed Thursday.
Guthrie’s son Camron released a new video pleading for direct contact, saying the family has heard nothing from whoever may be holding their mother, who has mobility issues and requires daily medication.
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