No DNA Match for Glove in Nancy Guthrie Case
Investigators searching for Nancy Guthrie say DNA found on a glove near her Arizona home has not matched any records in the FBI’s national database. The glove was discovered about two miles from Guthrie’s home near Tucson, and authorities believe it resembles one worn by a masked man captured on doorbell camera footage the night the 84-year-old disappeared. The man, seen wearing gloves and a backpack, approached the camera and tried to block its view before covering it with yard debris.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that unknown male DNA recovered from the glove was submitted to Codis, the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System, but turned up no matches.
“We’re hopeful that we’re always getting closer, but the news now, I think, is we had heard this morning that, of course, the DNA on the glove that was found two miles away was submitted for Codis [Combined DNA Index System]. And I just heard that, Codis had no hits,” Nanos said.
Despite the lack of a match, authorities say the DNA could still prove useful. Investigators are now expected to explore commercial genetic genealogy databases as the case moves into its third week.
Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen on the evening of 31st January after being dropped off at her home following a family dinner. Officials believe she was taken against her will. Blood found on her porch was later confirmed to be hers.
Sheriff Nanos has described the case as a targeted kidnapping and said he believes that she may still be somewhere nearby. He has vowed to continue the search for as long as it takes, whether it’s “10 days, 10 months, or worse.” Nearly 40,000 tips have poured in from the public, but no arrests have been made.
The masked man in the video is considered the primary suspect. After reviewing the footage, the FBI estimated he stands between 5ft 9in and 5ft 10in with an average build. Investigators are also working with Walmart to trace the purchase of the backpack seen in the footage.
Authorities have ruled out Guthrie’s children and their spouses as suspects, calling them “victims” in the ordeal. Her family has made repeated public appeals for her safe return and has said they are willing to pay her abductors. In a recent message directed at whoever may be holding her, Savannah Guthrie said: “It is never too late to do the right thing.”
Former President Donald Trump has also weighed in on the case, saying he would want the justice department to seek the death penalty if Guthrie were killed. He said those responsible should face “very, very severe – the most severe” consequences. When asked if he meant capital punishment, he responded: “The most, yeah – that’s true.”
Officials have said Guthrie, who has a pacemaker and limited mobility, would not have been able to leave her home on her own. She requires regular medication and is not in good physical health, though she has no reported cognitive issues.
The FBI has increased the reward for information in the case to $100,000 as the search continues.
