Tucson, Arizona – – Investigators in Arizona are analyzing DNA recovered from a glove found near the home of , Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s “Today” show. The FBI believes the glove is linked to the abduction of Guthrie, who has been missing for two weeks.
The glove was discovered in a field beside a road approximately two miles from Guthrie’s residence in Tucson. According to the FBI, preliminary DNA test results were received on , and the agency is awaiting “quality control and official confirmation” before entering the resulting “unknown male profile” into its national database, CODIS.
The FBI collected around sixteen gloves in the vicinity of Guthrie’s home, but most were identified as having been discarded by individuals involved in the search effort. “The one with the DNA profile recovered is different and appears to match the gloves of the subject in the surveillance video,” the FBI stated.
The investigation gained momentum last week with the release of doorbell camera footage showing a masked individual approaching Guthrie’s front door in the early hours of . The footage depicts the suspect attempting to obscure the camera with a gloved hand and using brush to further obstruct the view. Analysis of the video led investigators to estimate the suspect’s height to be between 5ft 9in and 5ft 10in (175-177cm) with an average build.
The case has drawn significant media attention, fueled by repeated appeals from Savannah Guthrie for her mother’s safe return. In a recent video message, Guthrie urged anyone with information to come forward, stating, “It is never too late to do the right thing.”
Authorities are also investigating a ransom note demanding payment in Bitcoin. The Guthrie family, despite receiving no proof of life, initially indicated a willingness to comply with the demands. Multiple searches of properties have been conducted, according to law enforcement sources.
The investigation is ongoing, and the FBI is focused on identifying the individual whose DNA was found on the glove. The agency anticipates the CODIS database search will provide a crucial lead in the case. The recovery of the glove represents a significant development in the search for Nancy Guthrie, offering a tangible piece of evidence linking a suspect to the scene of the abduction.
The circumstances surrounding the disappearance have raised concerns about security in the area and the vulnerability of elderly residents. While Tucson generally maintains a low crime rate, the brazen nature of the abduction has prompted increased vigilance among local communities.
The case also highlights the growing use of cryptocurrency in criminal activity, specifically ransomware demands. The request for Bitcoin payment underscores the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking and recovering funds used in such schemes. The FBI continues to work with cybersecurity experts to trace the origin of the ransom demand and identify potential suspects involved in the financial aspect of the case.
The investigation is being closely monitored by national and international media, reflecting the high profile of Savannah Guthrie and the unsettling nature of the crime. The FBI has not released further details regarding the preliminary DNA results, citing the need to maintain the integrity of the investigation and avoid compromising potential future leads.
As of , the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, with investigators pursuing all available leads and hoping that the DNA evidence will provide a breakthrough in the case. The FBI has urged anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact them immediately.
