DNA Not Belonging to Nancy Guthrie Found at Tucson Home as FBI Releases Suspect Description
The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has entered a critical new phase, with authorities confirming that unidentified DNA was recovered from her Tucson property, and the FBI releasing a physical description of a masked suspect seen on surveillance footage. Nancy Guthrie, 84, the mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, was last seen the night of January 31 at her home in Tucson, Arizona. She was reported missing around noon on February 1. Nearly two weeks later, law enforcement officials say forensic evidence is now central to the case.
Unidentified DNA Recovered at Property
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that “DNA other than Nancy Guthrie’s and those in close contact to her has been collected from the property.” Authorities declined to specify where the DNA was located.
“Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to. We are not disclosing where that DNA was located.”
The department also stated it is “not ruling out any individuals or possibilities,” signaling that the case remains wide open. Sheriff Chris Nanos previously confirmed that blood matching Nancy Guthrie’s DNA was found on the exterior porch of the residence. Her whereabouts remain unknown.
Gloves Found Miles Away
Investigators have also recovered multiple gloves during the search effort, with some located as far as 10 miles from the home. Officials clarified that reports claiming a glove was found inside the residence are inaccurate. All collected evidence, including the gloves and DNA samples, has been submitted for laboratory analysis. In addition, residents living within a two-mile radius of Guthrie’s home have been asked to submit surveillance footage dating back roughly one month prior to the suspected abduction date. Authorities plan to send additional alerts via the Neighbors App to camera users in the area.
FBI Releases Suspect Description
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents released doorbell surveillance footage showing a masked and reportedly armed individual tampering with a Nest camera at Guthrie’s front door on the morning she is believed to have been abducted.
The FBI’s Phoenix office described the suspect as:
Male
Approximately 5’9” to 5’10”
Average build
Wearing a black 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” backpack
The agency has doubled its reward to $100,000 for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s recovery or an arrest. Savannah Guthrie has publicly urged the public to assist, writing:
“We believe she is still out there. Bring her home.”
Ransom Notes and Ongoing Review
Authorities are also investigating ransom notes allegedly sent to media outlets following Nancy’s disappearance. The FBI has stated it is not aware of any confirmed communication between the alleged kidnapper and the Guthrie family. A pool maintenance crew was observed at the home during the investigation. Law enforcement clarified that the service visit was requested by the family and occurred in the presence of deputies.
Where the Case Stands
At this stage, investigators have:
Blood matching Nancy Guthrie’s DNA at the exterior porch
Unidentified DNA recovered from the property
Gloves located miles away under forensic review
Surveillance footage of a masked suspect
No confirmed contact from an alleged abductor
The presence of foreign DNA introduces a potentially significant forensic lead, but until laboratory testing identifies the source, it remains just that: a lead. Authorities continue to request tips from the public. Anyone with information is urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900. This is an active investigation, and developments are unfolding rapidly.
