Authorities have definitively ruled out the immediate family of an 84-year-old woman as suspects in her recent disappearance, urging the public and media to cease speculation about their involvement.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that all family members, including spouses, were cleared within the initial phase of the investigation. Officials emphasized the family’s full cooperation, describing them as victims in this case.
“The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious,” stated Sheriff Chris Nanos. “To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel. It is our duty to stand up for victims.”
The woman was last seen on January 31 after having dinner with her daughter and son-in-law. She was reported missing the following day. The investigation, which initially explored all possibilities, has now shifted focus.
Law enforcement is currently operating on the theory that this was a kidnapping, not a random crime. This assessment is supported by surveillance footage released last week, which appears to show a suspect.
“This is somebody who’s disappeared from the face of the earth, and now we have a camera that says here’s the person who did this,” the Sheriff explained. The primary challenge for investigators is establishing a motive, with questions remaining about whether it was financially driven or personally motivated.
The statement from the Sheriff’s Office served as a direct rebuttal to earlier media reports that had singled out a family member as a person of interest. Authorities have asked for the public’s help as the search continues.