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Tucson, Arizona – A significant development in the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has emerged, as DNA recovered from a glove found near her home appears to match gloves worn by a masked suspect captured on security footage the night she disappeared. The FBI confirmed preliminary results on Saturday, though official confirmation is still pending, according to reports. This finding offers a crucial lead as the investigation enters its third week, and authorities continue to seek information about the suspect and Guthrie’s whereabouts.
Guthrie, the mother of Today reveal co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen at her Tucson home on January 31st and reported missing the following day. Law enforcement discovered blood on the front porch of her residence, raising immediate concerns for her safety. The case has garnered national attention, with the FBI increasing the reward for information leading to her recovery to $100,000.
The glove, discovered approximately two miles from Guthrie’s home in a field beside a road, underwent DNA testing. The FBI stated it received preliminary results Saturday, indicating a potential match to the gloves worn by the individual seen in surveillance video outside Guthrie’s home. The suspect, described as a man between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build, was seen wearing a ski mask, long pants, a jacket, and gloves while carrying a 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack – a relatively inexpensive item sold by Walmart for under $11.
Expanding Search and Forensic Analysis
Law enforcement activity intensified late Friday night, with agents sealing off a road near Guthrie’s home and conducting a thorough search. A series of vehicles, including those belonging to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI, as well as forensics units, were observed passing through a roadblock. Investigators similarly tagged and towed a Range Rover SUV from a nearby restaurant parking lot, though authorities stated no arrests were made in connection with the vehicle.
Earlier in the week, deputies briefly detained an individual for questioning during a traffic stop south of Tucson, but the person was subsequently released. Simultaneously, a court-authorized search was conducted in Rio Rico, approximately an hour south of Tucson. These actions demonstrate the breadth of the investigation and the ongoing efforts to gather evidence.
Concerns for Guthrie’s Health and Prior Evidence
Authorities have expressed significant concern for Nancy Guthrie’s health, noting she requires daily medication and has a history of health issues, including a pacemaker, high blood pressure, and heart problems, according to sheriff’s dispatcher audio obtained by broadcastify.com. The urgency of the search is heightened by these medical needs.
Investigators had previously collected DNA evidence from Guthrie’s property that did not belong to her or individuals with close contact with her. Efforts to identify the source of this DNA are ongoing. The FBI has also reported recovering approximately 16 gloves in the vicinity of Guthrie’s home, most of which were determined to be searchers’ gloves discarded by investigators.
Sheriff Nanos Addresses Claims of Blocking FBI Access
The investigation has not been without its complexities. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos recently addressed reports alleging his department was blocking the FBI from accessing key evidence in the case. Sheriff Nanos refuted these claims, stating that the Pima County Sheriff’s Department intends to submit all evidence to the same laboratory for testing – DNA Labs International in Florida. He explained his preference for a single lab to ensure consistency in analysis, according to reports from 13abc and KTAR.
The FBI has received over 13,000 tips since February 1st, demonstrating significant public engagement in the search for Nancy Guthrie. Authorities continue to request assistance from the public, particularly seeking security camera footage from January 1st through February 2nd, focusing on the area within a two-mile radius of Guthrie’s home.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are meticulously analyzing all available evidence, including the newly discovered DNA match, in hopes of identifying the suspect and bringing Nancy Guthrie home safely. The focus remains on following every lead and utilizing forensic resources to unravel the circumstances surrounding her disappearance.
Disclaimer: This article provides information for general knowledge and awareness purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. If you have information regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.
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