Full Breakdown
Investigation into Nancy Guthrie's Disappearance: DNA Evidence Fails to Yield Leads
2/19/2026, 2:44:54 AM
Overview of the Investigation
The investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old mother of NBC "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has entered its third week with significant developments regarding DNA evidence. Nancy Guthrie was reported missing on February 1, 2026, after failing to arrive for church following a family dinner the previous evening. Authorities believe she was forcibly taken from her home in Tucson, Arizona.
Key Evidence and DNA Analysis
Recently, a glove found approximately two miles from Guthrie's home was tested for DNA. This glove, which investigators believe resembles those worn by a masked suspect seen in surveillance footage, did not match any profiles in the FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS). Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed that the DNA from the glove was submitted to CODIS but returned no hits. The glove was one of 16 collected during the investigation, most of which belonged to searchers.
In addition to the glove, DNA evidence collected from Guthrie's home has also been analyzed. Preliminary results indicated that this DNA did not belong to Nancy Guthrie or her immediate family members, who have been cleared as suspects. The sheriff emphasized that the family is considered victims in this case.
Investigative Efforts and Leads
The FBI has increased its reward for information leading to Guthrie's whereabouts to $100,000. Investigators are also examining other DNA evidence found at her home, including blood droplets confirmed to be from Guthrie. The sheriff's department is working with Walmart to trace the purchase of a black Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack seen with the suspect in the surveillance footage.
Authorities have been utilizing advanced technology, including a "signal sniffer" to detect signals from Guthrie's pacemaker, which disconnected from her phone shortly after she was reported missing. This device is being deployed in search efforts to locate her.
Official Statements and Community Response
Sheriff Nanos has urged the media and public to treat the Guthrie family with compassion, emphasizing their cooperation with law enforcement. Savannah Guthrie has made emotional public pleas for her mother's safe return, stating, "It's been two weeks since our mom was taken, and I just wanted to come on and say we still have hope, and we still believe."
Donald Trump has also commented on the case, suggesting that if Nancy Guthrie was killed, he would advocate for severe consequences for the abductors, including the death penalty.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the ongoing investigation, some community members have expressed frustration over the lack of progress in finding Nancy Guthrie. The absence of leads from the DNA evidence has been particularly disheartening for both the family and law enforcement.
Conflicting Reports and Gaps
While the glove DNA did not yield any matches in CODIS, investigators are exploring additional genetic genealogy options to identify potential suspects. The sheriff has indicated that the lack of a match is not the end of the investigation, as they continue to analyze other DNA evidence collected from the scene.
What's Next
The investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to seek tips from the public. The Pima County Sheriff's Department has set up a tip line for community members to report any information that could assist in locating Nancy Guthrie. As the search continues, law enforcement remains hopeful that further analysis of the DNA evidence will lead to breakthroughs in the case.
