The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television journalist Savannah Guthrie, continues with no new leads following the revelation that DNA recovered from a glove found near her Arizona home does not match any profiles in a national database. The lack of a match represents a significant setback in the investigation, which has captivated the nation for over two weeks.
Authorities have been treating Guthrie’s disappearance as a potential kidnapping for ransom. The investigation intensified after the discovery of the glove approximately 3 kilometers from her Tucson residence. Investigators hoped a DNA match would quickly identify a suspect, but Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that analysis of the DNA yielded no results in the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a national repository of DNA profiles.
Key Evidence and the Ongoing Investigation
The glove is believed to be connected to the abduction, as it resembles one worn by a masked man seen in surveillance footage shortly before Guthrie went missing on January 31st. The suspect in the video was also observed carrying an overstuffed backpack and a handgun in a holster, leading investigators to believe he is the primary person of interest. Sheriff Nanos stated the man in the video is considered the likely perpetrator.
“There were no DNA hits in CODIS,” Sheriff Nanos said, emphasizing that CODIS is just one of many databases available to law enforcement. Despite the lack of a match in the national database, the investigation remains active and multifaceted.
Law enforcement is pursuing multiple avenues of inquiry, including tracing the purchase of a distinctive black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack seen in the surveillance footage. Investigators have been working with Walmart managers to identify the purchaser. A Reuters report indicated that an FBI agent visited a local gun store more than a week ago with a list of fewer than 20 potential customers, seeking information about weapon purchases, but no matches were found.
Advanced Technology and Family Involvement
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is also utilizing advanced technology in the search, including a “signal sniffer” system designed by Parsons Corp. This technology creates a heat map to identify potential search areas, and is being used by search teams operating via helicopter, ground vehicles, and on foot.
Authorities have ruled out immediate family members as suspects, stating definitively, “The Guthrie family are victims, plain and simple.” This declaration came after investigators thoroughly vetted siblings and their spouses. Traces of blood found on Guthrie’s front porch were confirmed through DNA testing to be hers, according to officials.
Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC News’ Today show, along with her brother Camron Guthrie and sister Annie Guthrie, have publicly appealed for their mother’s safe return and for any information that might assist the investigation.
Health Concerns and Continued Search Efforts
Nancy Guthrie is described by law enforcement and family as being in frail health and requiring daily medication, including treatment related to a pacemaker. Sheriff Nanos has stated that, given her limited mobility, it is unlikely she left her home without assistance. While no proof of life has been established since her disappearance, authorities have also found no evidence to suggest she has been harmed. Sheriff Nanos has indicated his working presumption is that Nancy Guthrie remains alive.
At least two purported ransom notes have surfaced since Guthrie vanished, initially delivered to news media outlets. The investigation into these notes is ongoing.
As the search enters its 17th day, law enforcement continues to follow all available leads, hoping for a breakthrough in this complex case. The focus remains on identifying the masked suspect and securing the safe return of Nancy Guthrie.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Further updates will be provided as they become available.
If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, please contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.