DNA Found on Glove Linked to Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping, FBI Says

TUCSON, Arizona – Investigators in the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie have recovered DNA evidence from a glove found near her Tucson home, potentially linking it to a suspect captured on her doorbell camera. The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced the preliminary findings on Sunday, marking a significant development in the two-week-old case that has gripped the nation and drawn attention from as far away as the White House.

The glove, discovered approximately two miles from Guthrie’s residence in a field alongside a road, appears to match those worn by a masked individual seen in surveillance footage attempting to tamper with the home’s security camera in the early hours of February 1st, according to the FBI. Preliminary DNA test results were received on Saturday and are currently undergoing “quality control and official confirmation” before being entered into the national DNA database, CODIS. The process is expected to take approximately 24 hours from the time the FBI receives the confirmed sample.

The discovery comes after a search that yielded roughly 16 gloves in the vicinity of Guthrie’s home. However, the FBI clarified that the majority of these were discarded by search teams involved in the investigation. The glove containing the potentially crucial DNA profile stands out as distinct, appearing to correspond with the gloves worn by the suspect in the surveillance video.

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos expressed confidence on Friday that the individual depicted in the video – described as wearing a gun holster and an overstuffed backpack – is the primary suspect in the case. The suspect was observed slowly approaching Guthrie’s front porch and attempting to obscure the camera’s view with brush.

Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31st after being dropped off at her home following dinner with family. She was reported missing the following day. Authorities have stated that Guthrie had limited physical mobility and would have been unable to leave her home without assistance, leading investigators to believe she was abducted against her will.

The case has been complicated by the emergence of at least two purported ransom notes, initially delivered to news media outlets. Traces of Guthrie’s blood were found on her front porch and confirmed through DNA testing to be hers, according to officials. Law enforcement has described Guthrie as being in frail health and requiring daily medication, including a pacemaker, raising concerns for her well-being.

The investigation has also uncovered DNA from individuals other than Guthrie and those known to have been in contact with her, collected from her property. However, no official information has been released regarding these additional samples.

The disappearance has garnered significant media attention, fueled in part by pleas for information from Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC News’ “Today” show, and her siblings, Camron and Annie Guthrie. In video messages, the family has expressed a willingness to meet ransom demands in an effort to secure their mother’s safe return.

Sheriff Nanos stated on Friday that while no proof of life has been established since the abduction, there has been no evidence to suggest she has been harmed. The FBI continues to investigate all leads and pursue every avenue to locate Nancy Guthrie.

The case has drawn expressions of sympathy and support, including from President Donald Trump. The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities hopeful that the DNA evidence will provide a crucial breakthrough in identifying and apprehending the suspect.

The recovered glove was sent to a private crime laboratory in Florida on Thursday for analysis. The FBI’s statement underscores the meticulous process of forensic investigation, emphasizing the need for both preliminary findings and official confirmation before entering the DNA profile into the national database.