Tucson, Arizona – The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, continues as investigators pursue new leads and the family appeals for her safe return. The case, now entering its third week, has garnered national attention, with the FBI doubling the reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction to $100,000.
Savannah Guthrie released a new video plea on Sunday, , directly addressing those who may have information about her mother’s disappearance. “It’s been two weeks since our mom was taken,” Guthrie said in the video, posted to Instagram. “And I just wanted to come on and say that we still have hope. And we still believe. I wanted to say to whoever has her or knows where she is that it’s never too late. And you’re not lost or alone. And it is never too late to do the right thing. And we are here. And we believe. And we believe in the essential goodness of every human being.”
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on after being dropped off at her home in the Tucson area following a visit with family. The investigation has focused on identifying a suspect seen in doorbell camera footage from the morning of her disappearance. Authorities describe the individual as being between 5 feet 9 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall and wearing a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack.
A significant development in the case came with the recovery of a glove containing DNA evidence approximately two miles from Nancy Guthrie’s home. According to a source familiar with the investigation, the DNA is consistent with that of the individual seen tampering with the doorbell camera. This evidence represents a key piece of forensic material in the ongoing search.
While initial scrutiny focused on several individuals, including a man whose home was searched on and another man stopped in a vehicle last week, investigators are now shifting their focus. Two sources familiar with the investigation have indicated that authorities are “leaning away” from these previously scrutinized individuals. However, these sources cautioned that no one has been officially ruled out, and all leads continue to be pursued.
The FBI is urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward. Individuals with tips are encouraged to contact the FBI or the Pima County Sheriff’s Office. The agency’s increased reward reflects the urgency of the situation and the commitment to finding Nancy Guthrie.
The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile missing persons investigations, highlighting the challenges faced by law enforcement in locating vulnerable individuals and the emotional toll on families. The Guthrie family’s public appeals for information underscore the desperation and hope that remain as the search continues. The focus on the DNA evidence recovered from the glove suggests a potential breakthrough, but investigators remain cautious about drawing premature conclusions.
The investigation is being conducted by the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, with significant support from the FBI. Authorities have been combing through thousands of tips received from the public since , demonstrating the widespread concern and willingness of the community to assist in the search. The FBI’s involvement signals the seriousness with which the case is being treated at the federal level.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are maintaining a tight lid on specific details to avoid compromising the integrity of the case. However, the continued pursuit of leads and the public appeals for information indicate a determination to bring Nancy Guthrie home safely. The family’s unwavering hope, coupled with the ongoing efforts of law enforcement, represent the driving forces behind the search.
