TUCSON, Ariz. — The search for Nancy Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie, continues as investigators analyze DNA recovered from a glove found near her Tucson home. The FBI announced Sunday the recovery of the glove, believed to be connected to her disappearance on February 1st, and is awaiting final confirmation of the DNA profile before entering it into a national database. The development comes as the investigation enters its second week, and as concerns grow regarding Guthrie’s health, as she requires daily heart medication.
The case has drawn national attention, prompting a renewed plea from Savannah Guthrie for her mother’s safe return. In a recent video message, Guthrie addressed those who may have information, stating, “It’s never too late to do the right thing.” The FBI has doubled the reward for information leading to Nancy Guthrie’s return to $100,000, a move some experts interpret as a sign that investigators are facing challenges in the case. The agency has already received nearly 20,000 tips from the public since the disappearance was reported.
Investigators released surveillance footage earlier this month showing a masked individual tampering with security cameras at Guthrie’s residence. The suspect, described as a male of medium build, approximately 5’7” to 5’8” in height, was seen wearing gloves and a backpack – identified by the FBI as a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack. The glove recovered from a field about two miles from Guthrie’s home appears to match those worn by the suspect in the footage.
Timeline of Events
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on the evening of January 31st, when family members dropped her off at her Tucson home. The following morning, she was reported missing. The initial investigation quickly focused on a potential kidnapping, and the FBI became involved. On February 10th, the FBI released surveillance photos and videos of the suspect, seeking public assistance in identifying the individual. The reward was increased on February 12th, and the glove was recovered on February 15th.
Health Concerns and the Increased Reward
Authorities have expressed concern for Nancy Guthrie’s well-being, noting her need for daily medication. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told the BBC that Guthrie’s health could deteriorate rapidly without her heart medication. The doubling of the reward to $100,000 has been met with mixed interpretations. Retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer told Newsweek that increasing the reward often indicates investigators are lacking crucial information and are actively seeking public assistance.
Separate Incident: Fake Ransom Demand
While the search for Nancy Guthrie continues, authorities are also addressing a separate incident related to the case. A man from California, Derrick Callella, was arrested and charged with transmitting a demand for ransom after allegedly sending a fake text message to Guthrie’s family. Court documents indicate Callella attempted to exploit the situation for financial gain, making a brief phone call to an unidentified family member shortly after sending the text.
What We Recognize About the Suspect
The FBI believes the suspect is a male, of medium build, and between 5’7” and 5’8” tall. He was seen wearing gloves and a backpack, specifically a 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack, in surveillance footage. The recovered glove is currently undergoing DNA analysis, with preliminary results received but awaiting official confirmation. The agency is urging anyone with information about the suspect or Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts to contact them immediately.
The FBI is asking anyone with information to call 911 or the Pima County Sheriff’s Department at 520-351-4900.
The investigation remains active, and authorities are continuing to pursue all leads in the search for Nancy Guthrie. The next step in the investigation is the official confirmation of the DNA profile recovered from the glove, which is expected within 24 hours, according to the FBI.
This is a developing story. If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, please contact the authorities.
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