Authorities investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “TODAY” co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, have identified DNA from a glove found near her Tucson, Arizona, residence and are preparing to enter the profile into the FBI’s national database.
The black glove, discovered roughly two miles from the 84-year-old’s home, appears similar to one worn by a masked individual captured on her doorbell camera the morning she vanished. According to officials, the DNA extracted from the glove belongs to an unidentified male. After confirmatory testing, the profile is expected to be uploaded into CODIS — the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System — which contains millions of offender and forensic records.
Investigators collected about 16 gloves from areas surrounding the property in the days after Guthrie was reported missing on Feb. 1. Most were determined to have been discarded by search crews. However, the glove containing the male DNA stood out and is believed to resemble the one seen in surveillance footage.
The FBI has described the individual in the video as a man of average build, approximately 5-foot-9 to 5-foot-10, wearing a black 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. Images released from the camera system show a masked person at the front door who appears to be armed.
Officials caution that a DNA match in the system would not automatically solve the case or confirm involvement in Guthrie’s disappearance. The source of the glove may not necessarily be tied to the crime, but authorities say it could provide a valuable lead.
Meanwhile, investigators continue to sort through thousands of tips. Law enforcement activity in recent days has included searches of at least two homes and a SWAT response to a residence less than two miles from Guthrie’s house. No arrests were made. Individuals questioned during traffic stops have since been released, and authorities stress that no one has been formally ruled out.
The case has also involved a ransom demand sent to a local news outlet seeking bitcoin. The Guthrie family has publicly pleaded for her safe return, at one point indicating a willingness to pay despite receiving no proof of life. The FBI has doubled the reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction to $100,000 as the search for answers continues.
Authorities have encouraged anyone with information or tips to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI, 88-CRIME, 520-351-4900, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI.
Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com