The three-week search for Nancy Guthrie took a frustrating turn Tuesday as Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that DNA evidence recovered from the scene has not yielded a suspect.
Despite high hopes for a breakthrough, a glove found two miles from the 84-year-old’s home and other biological samples collected by investigators did not match any profiles currently stored in CODIS, the national criminal database.
Sheriff Nanos shared the update during a Tuesday interview, noting that while the lack of a “hit” is a setback, the investigation remains active. Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, vanished earlier this month, sparking a massive multi-agency effort in the Tucson area.
READ: Boardwalk Nightmare: Florida Vacation Upended After Random Knife Attack On 13-Year-Old
Authorities have remained firm in their stance that the Guthrie family is not under suspicion. Nanos previously emphasized that the family should be treated as victims, calling for compassion and professionalism from the public and the media as they navigate the crisis.
The focus has instead shifted toward a person of interest captured on surveillance footage. FBI Director Kash Patel recently released video showing a man, estimated to be roughly 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build, attempting to obscure a security camera at Guthrie’s front door on the night she disappeared.
While the DNA results were inconclusive, investigators are currently tracing a specific piece of equipment seen in that footage. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department identified a 25-liter “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” as a key lead.
READ: Abandoned In An Uber: Florida Mom Arrested After Kids Left In Rideshare
Because that specific backpack is sold exclusively at Walmart, detectives are working with the retailer’s management to review recent sales records in hopes of identifying the purchaser.
The search for the 84-year-old continues into its third week as law enforcement across Arizona and federal agents analyze the remaining physical evidence.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox
