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PIMA COUNTY, AZ – A recent development in the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of “Today” show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has identified DNA from gloves found near her home, but the lead appears to be a dead end.
According to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, DNA from black gloves discovered approximately two miles from Ms. Guthrie’s residence was traced back to an individual who works at a local restaurant. Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed this information in an interview, clarifying that this person is not considered a suspect in the investigation.
The gloves in question were found on February 11, days after Ms. Guthrie was reported missing on February 1.
Initial DNA analysis of the gloves submitted to CoDIS, the FBI’s national database, did not yield any matches. The FBI had previously noted that the suspect seen in doorbell camera footage appeared to be wearing similar gloves.
While a black glove was found near Ms. Guthrie’s home, investigators collected approximately 16 gloves from various areas. The majority of these, however, were later determined to belong to searchers who had discarded them during their efforts.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Department has opted to send additional DNA evidence from the scene to a private lab in Florida, a facility they have used for years, rather than the FBI’s lab. Sheriff Nanos expressed hope that this DNA analysis will ultimately lead to a breakthrough in the case.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that DNA recovered directly from Nancy Guthrie’s home may be “low-level” and might not produce a usable profile of a suspect.
The search for the 84-year-old Ms. Guthrie has involved a massive effort, with her family offering a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to her recovery.
The FBI is also offering a separate reward of $100,000. Lab analysis of other DNA evidence remains underway.