Search for Nancy Guthrie Continues as DNA Evidence Yields No Immediate Leads

The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television journalist Savannah Guthrie, has entered its third week with no definitive breakthroughs. A key piece of evidence – DNA recovered from a glove found near her Tucson, Arizona home – has not produced a match in national databases, officials announced Tuesday.

DNA Analysis Returns No Matches

The DNA profile obtained from the glove was submitted to the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) but yielded no hits, according to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that additional DNA evidence collected from inside Guthrie’s home is still undergoing analysis.

The glove is believed to be connected to the suspect seen in surveillance footage attempting to disable Guthrie’s doorbell camera shortly before her disappearance on January 31st. The suspect was described as wearing a ski mask, an overstuffed backpack, and a handgun in a holster.

Investigation Focuses on Identifying the Suspect

Despite the lack of a CODIS match, investigators are pursuing multiple leads. The Sheriff’s Department has been working with Walmart to identify the purchaser of the backpack seen in the surveillance footage.

The FBI has also been questioning individuals who may have recently purchased a handgun, presenting a list of potential customers to local gun stores. Phillip Martin, a co-owner of a Tucson gun store, stated that an FBI agent visited his shop with a list of fewer than 20 potential customers, but none had purchased a weapon there.

Advanced Technology Deployed in Search Efforts

Law enforcement is utilizing advanced technology, including a “signal sniffer” system, to identify potential search areas. This technology, designed by Parsons Corp, creates a heat map to guide search teams operating by helicopter, ground vehicles, and on foot.

Family Cleared, Motive Remains Unknown

On Monday, Sheriff Nanos publicly cleared Nancy Guthrie’s children and their spouses as suspects, stating they are “victims” in the case. He urged the media to treat the family with compassion and refrain from speculation.

The motive for Guthrie’s disappearance remains unknown, and investigators are unsure whether it was a kidnapping or a burglary gone wrong.

Ongoing Concerns and Appeals for Information

Authorities have received over 30,000 tips in the case. Nancy Guthrie is described as being in frail health and requires daily medication, including a pacemaker. Law enforcement has confirmed that traces of blood found on her front porch matched her DNA.

While there is no proof of life, there is also no evidence to suggest she has died, according to Sheriff Nanos.