SUMMARY
- DNA recovered from a glove near Nancy Guthrie’s Tucson home matches gloves worn by a masked prowler caught on doorbell footage
- FBI will run the DNA through a national database to identify suspects
- Guthrie, mother of television journalist Savannah Guthrie, was reported missing on Feb. 1
TUCSON, Arizona – Federal investigators have recovered a DNA sample from a discarded glove found near the home of 84 year old Nancy Guthrie that appears to match gloves worn by a masked intruder captured on video before her disappearance two weeks ago, the FBI said Sunday.
The discovery of DNA linked to a glove strengthens the investigation into the high profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, a frail elderly woman last seen on Jan. 31 in Tucson.
Authorities say she could not have left her home unassisted, raising immediate concerns about abduction.
The FBI and local law enforcement are working to verify the sample before database analysis, a process that typically takes 24 hours.
Nancy Guthrie went missing after returning home from dinner with family. Surveillance footage showed a man wearing a ski mask attempting to disable her door camera in the early hours of Jan. 31.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has said the individual, who carried a holstered firearm and a large backpack, is the primary suspect.
At least two purported ransom notes have appeared since her disappearance, initially delivered to media outlets.
Blood traces on her front porch were confirmed to be Guthrie’s, and officials have collected additional DNA samples from her property. Most other items recovered proved unrelated, often left inadvertently by search teams.
“The DNA recovery is a crucial step in moving from investigative leads to potential identification,” said Dr. Linda Marshall, professor of forensic science at the University of Arizona. “It provides actionable evidence that can be cross referenced nationally.”
Christopher King, a criminal justice analyst with the Center for Public Safety Studies, noted that high-profile cases involving elderly victims often involve heightened risk.
“Rapid DNA verification can narrow suspect pools quickly, which is vital when the missing individual requires daily medication and has limited mobility,” King said.
Sheriff Chris Nanos said investigators have been canvassing a two mile radius around Guthrie’s home for evidence. “This glove is different from the other items collected. It could directly link our suspect to the scene,” Nanos said.
Family members have expressed concern over Nancy Guthrie’s fragile health. Savannah Guthrie’s spokesperson stated, “Our priority is her safe return, and we are cooperating fully with authorities.”
Once the FBI confirms the DNA profile, it will be run through the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) for matches.
Law enforcement officials caution that while this is a major development, the investigation remains active and ongoing.
The DNA confirmation represents a pivotal moment in the search for Nancy Guthrie, offering law enforcement a tangible lead while underscoring the urgency of resolving a case involving an elderly, vulnerable individual.
Authorities continue to gather evidence and evaluate new information as part of a meticulous, methodical investigation.
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