Nancy Guthrie
Nancy Guthrie

TUCSON, Ariz. — A retired Pima County sheriff's deputy who solved Tucson's "Prime Time Rapist" case believes investigators already have the names of those responsible for the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie among tens of thousands of leads.

Robbie Mayer, a former detective with the Pima County Sheriff's Department, shared his assessment in an interview with News 4 Tucson published on May 24, 2026. Guthrie, 84, was reported missing on Feb. 1, 2026, after being taken from her home in the Catalina Foothills area near Tucson.

Mayer recalled the Prime Time Rapist investigation, saying, "We ended up with more than 4,000 leads. One of the detectives had Larriva's name as a lead, but he hadn't gotten to it yet because he had so many leads in front of that."

He applied similar reasoning to the Guthrie case. "I believe the suspect's names are in those 50,000. The question is if they can recognize it when they see it. Being in a case like this is like being in a field with rocks and what you're looking for is under one rock. You just have to keep turning."

Mayer theorized that more than one person was likely involved. He suggested it could be connected to a theft group active in Phoenix two years ago that targeted elderly people with money. He noted, "This case is so unique. Most of the time we try and find patterns. We can't in this case. These guys came prepared not to leave hair or DNA. Look at how that guy was clothed. They turned off their cell phones."

Mayer expressed confidence in the ongoing investigation. "This is a very high-caliber investigation, and I think the FBI is gonna crack the case," he said.

Case Background

No suspects have been publicly identified more than three months after Guthrie's disappearance. The FBI released surveillance footage showing a masked man wearing gloves at her door on the night she is believed to have been taken.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said DNA analysis from blood found on Guthrie's property is progressing. He told People magazine, "I know we have DNA that is unknown, who the contributor or depositor is, but I think they're getting closer to finding out who that was."

Mayer's Prime Time Rapist Case

Mayer solved the Prime Time Rapist case in 1986. The perpetrator, Brian Larriva, was accused of breaking into Tucson homes, burglarizing them and sexually assaulting female residents between 1983 and 1986. When police surrounded Larriva's house, he took his own life.

Current Investigation Status

The Pima County Sheriff's Department and the FBI continue to investigate the Guthrie case. The family has offered a substantial reward for information leading to her safe return. Civilian searches have been conducted in the Tucson area, including one that led to the discovery of an ancient human bone unrelated to the case.

Savannah Guthrie, Nancy Guthrie's daughter and co-anchor of the "Today" show, along with siblings Camron and Annie, have made public appeals for information. The case has generated widespread national attention.

Broader Context

Mayer's comments highlight the challenge of sifting through large volumes of tips in high-profile missing persons cases. Authorities have not confirmed any specific theory or timeline for resolution.

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