In a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, authorities have discovered DNA evidence on her property that does not belong to the 84-year-old woman or those in close contact with her. The Pima County Sheriff's Department announced the finding in a statement released on Friday, February 13, as search efforts continue in Tucson, Arizona, where Guthrie was last seen on January 30.
Guthrie, the mother of NBC's Today show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, vanished after a family dinner that evening. A 911 call was placed on February 1 when she failed to join friends for a virtual church service, prompting a widespread search that has drawn national attention due to her daughter's prominence in broadcasting.
The sheriff's department statement detailed that investigators collected the unidentified DNA from Guthrie's property but declined to specify its exact location. "Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to," the update read. "We are not disclosing where that DNA was located." This revelation comes amid intensified scrutiny of physical evidence in the case, which has no named suspects or persons of interest as of yet.
Additionally, several gloves were found during the search, with the nearest one located approximately two miles from Guthrie's home. The department addressed circulating rumors, clarifying that "reports that a glove was found inside the residence or on the property are inaccurate." All gathered evidence, including the gloves, has been submitted for laboratory analysis, according to the statement.
The investigation has involved collaboration with federal agencies, including the FBI, which released new details about a potential suspect on Thursday, February 12. The description portrays a male approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall, with an average build, captured in newly analyzed security footage wearing a black 25-liter 'Ozark Trail Hiker Pack' backpack. The footage, subjected to forensic analysis by the FBI's Operational Technology Division, stems from a doorbell camera, though specifics on its origin were not immediately disclosed.
FBI officials in Phoenix have been overwhelmed with public tips, reporting receipt of 13,000 leads related to Guthrie's disappearance. In response to the volume and urgency, the agency announced an increase in its reward offer from $50,000 to $100,000. "Today, the FBI is increasing its reward up to $100,000 for information leading to the location of Nancy Guthrie and/or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance," the FBI Phoenix office stated via X, formerly known as Twitter.
The case has not been without complications. A report surfaced indicating that the FBI was initially blocked from certain evidence in the search for Guthrie, though details on the nature of the blockage remain unclear. Us Weekly, citing sources, noted this hurdle, but the Pima County Sheriff's Department has not publicly commented on the matter beyond general updates.
Savannah Guthrie, 54, along with her siblings Annie Guthrie and Camron Guthrie, have been vocal in their pleas for public assistance. The family has emphasized their mother's resilience and the profound impact of her absence. In a heartfelt Instagram video posted on February 4, Savannah and Annie addressed their mother directly, blending faith and desperation in their message.
“Mommy, if you are hearing this, you are a strong woman. You are God’s precious daughter, Nancy,” Savannah said. “We believe and know that even in this valley, He is with you. Everyone is looking for you, Mommy, everywhere. We will not rest.”
Annie added, “Nancy is our mother, we are her children. She is our beacon. She holds fast to joy and all of life’s circumstances. She chooses joy day after day despite having already passed through great trials of pain and grief. We are always going to be merely human. Just normal human people who need our mom. Mama, if you’re listening, we need you to come home. We miss you.”
This emotional appeal underscores the personal toll of the disappearance on the Guthrie family. Nancy Guthrie, known for her steadfast optimism amid past hardships—including the loss of her husband and other challenges—has been described by her children as a pillar of strength. Her sudden vanishing has left not only her immediate family but also a broader community in Tucson searching for answers.
The Pima County Sheriff's Department has urged the public to come forward with any information, no matter how small. Investigators continue to process the DNA evidence and other items, hoping to link them to the unidentified individual or the suspect described by the FBI. As of February 13, no official ruling has excluded anyone from suspicion, and the case remains active with no determination on whether Guthrie is alive or has met with foul play.
Background on the initial report of Guthrie's disappearance reveals a routine evening turned alarming. She was last seen enjoying dinner with family members in Tucson on January 30. The following days passed without contact, leading to the 911 call on February 1. Friends noted her absence from the planned virtual church gathering, which was out of character for the devout and reliable woman.
Local law enforcement quickly escalated the matter, involving the FBI due to the potential interstate elements and the high-profile nature of the family. The doorbell camera footage, pivotal to the suspect description, was obtained and analyzed federally, providing what officials call "new identifying details." The backpack, a common outdoor item from a retailer like Walmart, may aid in narrowing down leads if spotted in tips.
Community response has been robust, with the 13,000 tips reflecting widespread concern. Tucson residents and Guthrie's acquaintances have shared memories of her as a warm, engaging figure active in local circles. The increased reward is expected to generate even more information, potentially breaking the case open.
As the investigation progresses, questions linger about the DNA's origin and the gloves' significance. Were they discarded in haste by an intruder, or do they relate to an unrelated incident? Authorities have not speculated, maintaining a focus on empirical analysis. The family's ongoing public statements serve as a reminder of the human element, contrasting the clinical details of forensic work.
Looking ahead, the Pima County Sheriff's Department and FBI plan to continue joint operations, including canvassing neighborhoods and following up on leads. The doubled reward signals a commitment to resolution, while the Guthrie siblings' determination to "not rest" mirrors the resolve of investigators. For now, the search for Nancy Guthrie presses on, with each piece of evidence—like the mysterious DNA—offering a thread of hope amid uncertainty.
The case has also highlighted challenges in high-visibility disappearances, where media attention can both aid and complicate probes. Reports of inaccuracies, such as the glove location rumors, illustrate the need for verified information. As more details emerge, the public remains a key ally in what has become a poignant saga of loss and perseverance.