Investigators have achieved a significant DNA breakthrough in the search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of NBC Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. A black glove discovered near her Tucson, Arizona, home contains DNA from an unidentified man, matching the type worn by a masked intruder captured on her doorbell camera.
Details of the Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie vanished from her home on February 1 after a family member dropped her off the previous night on January 31. Authorities reported her missing the next day when she failed to attend church. At her residence, police found evidence of a break-in, including blood spatters on the front porch confirmed as hers through DNA testing. Her doorbell camera had been forcibly removed during the night.
Key Evidence from Footage
Surveillance video released by the FBI shows a masked man armed with a gun outside her door around the time of her disappearance. He carried a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack and wore distinctive black gloves. Additional footage reveals a holster, similar to models sold at local Walmart stores for about $10.
New Glove Discovery
Detectives located the black glove near the property, distinct from 15 other gloves discarded by searchers in the area. Forensic experts at a Florida lab analyzed it over the weekend, identifying male DNA. FBI officials confirm the profile aligns with the gloves seen on the intruder. The genetic material now heads to the national CODIS database for potential matches, a process expected to take 24 hours.
Separate unidentified DNA found inside her $1.3 million home does not match family members, heightening concerns. The porch bloodstains and signs of forced entry further underscore the intrusion.
Suspect Profile and Leads
The suspect appears as a man of average build, standing approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall. Authorities cross-reference recent Walmart purchases of the backpack and holster to identify him. Investigators increasingly view the case as a botched burglary rather than a planned kidnapping, with optimism that Guthrie remains alive.
Police seized a Range Rover SUV from a parking lot two miles away and questioned the driver, who was released pending further review.
Family and Public Response
Savannah Guthrie has stepped away from her broadcasting duties, including coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics, to aid the search. The FBI has raised the reward for information leading to her location to $100,000.
