Search for Nancy Guthrie Intensifies as DNA Evidence Emerges
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC News anchor Savannah Guthrie, continues with renewed urgency as investigators analyze DNA evidence recovered from a glove found near her Tucson, Arizona home. The FBI is hopeful a match in the national DNA database will provide a crucial lead in the case, which began on January 31st.
Timeline of Events and Current Status
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31st after a family dinner, when she was dropped off at her residence. She was reported missing the following day. Authorities quickly determined that, due to her limited mobility and reliance on medication – including a pacemaker – she likely did not leave her home voluntarily. NBC News reports the family remains hopeful for her safe return.
Key Evidence and FBI Investigation
A significant development in the case is the recovery of a glove near Nancy Guthrie’s home. DNA analysis of the glove, conducted by a private crime laboratory in Florida and awaiting official confirmation, appears to match DNA from a masked individual captured on doorbell camera footage. This individual was seen attempting to disable the camera shortly before Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance. The FBI is currently running the DNA sample through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) to search for a potential match.
Investigators have collected approximately 16 gloves from a roadside field near the Guthrie residence, but most were determined to have been dropped by search teams. The glove undergoing DNA analysis is considered distinct and potentially linked to the suspect.
Suspect Description and Potential Motives
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has stated that the person in the doorbell camera footage, wearing a ski mask, a gun holster, and an overstuffed backpack, is considered the primary suspect. Reuters reports that while no proof of life has surfaced, there is also no evidence to suggest Nancy Guthrie has been harmed.
Authorities have investigated at least two purported ransom notes delivered to news media outlets, but there has been no direct communication with the presumed captors or the family.
Family Plea and Public Appeal
Savannah Guthrie, along with her siblings Camron and Annie Guthrie, have made several public appeals for their mother’s safe return. In video messages, they have expressed a willingness to meet ransom demands and implored anyone with information to come forward. Savannah Guthrie recently reiterated her hope, stating, “We still have hope and we still believe…it’s never too late to do the right thing.”
Recent Search and Ongoing Efforts
On February 9th, sheriff’s deputies and FBI agents, acting on a federal warrant, searched a house in an affluent area near Nancy Guthrie’s residence. The results of that search have not yet been publicly disclosed. The investigation remains active and ongoing, with law enforcement agencies continuing to pursue all leads.
Key Takeaways
- Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since January 31st from her Tucson, Arizona home.
- DNA evidence from a glove found near her home potentially links a masked suspect to the disappearance.
- The FBI is conducting a national DNA database search for a match.
- Authorities believe Nancy Guthrie did not leave her home voluntarily due to her health conditions.
- The Guthrie family continues to plead for the public’s help and expresses hope for her safe return.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as they become available. Anyone with information regarding Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance is urged to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI.