DNA extracted from gloves found a few miles away from the Arizona residence of Nancy Guthrie did not match any records in the national DNA database, authorities reported on the 17th day following her disappearance. The Pima County Sheriff's Department stated, "There were no DNA hits in CODIS," referring to the Combined DNA Index System.
The sheriff's office indicated that there have been no confirmed matches in connection with this ongoing investigation, suggesting that other DNA samples had already been analyzed using the system. CODIS serves as a repository for DNA samples collected from crime suspects or individuals with criminal convictions. Any matches could potentially lead to identifying suspects in the case of Guthrie's disappearance.
As the investigation continues, the sheriff's department plans to utilize additional genetic genealogy databases for further analysis. However, no specific details were provided regarding this next step.
On the same day, law enforcement officials were seen examining exterior cameras at a neighbor's property. Meanwhile, multiple vehicles were arriving and departing from Guthrie's home in the Tucson area, drawing significant media attention as reporters gathered on the street.
Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of Savannah Guthrie, a co-anchor on NBC's Today show, was reported missing from her Tucson home on February 1 after spending the previous night with family, according to police reports. Notably, her blood was found on the porch of the residence.
Surveillance footage from a porch camera captured a man wearing a ski mask and gloves alongside a backpack. The FBI described the suspect as approximately 5 feet, 9 inches tall with a medium build. Notably, the gloves discovered about 2 miles from Nancy Guthrie's home appeared to correspond to the type worn by the individual in the video.
The sheriff's department confirmed the presence of additional DNA evidence at the residence, which is also undergoing analysis. Furthermore, investigators are collaborating with experts to locate Guthrie by attempting to detect signals from her heart pacemaker. Parsons Corp. has deployed its BlueFly device for this purpose, which is capable of detecting signals from wearable electronics and medical devices. The device, weighing less than a pound, has a range of up to 218 yards and has been utilized in searches both from the air and on the ground in Arizona.
In response to Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, the sheriff's department shared data revealing that public engagement with the investigation has surged, resulting in 28,000 phone calls made between February 1 and February 16— a 54% increase over the same timeframe the previous year. It is important to note that not all calls were tips pertaining to the case.
Amid the search efforts, Savannah Guthrie took to Instagram, posting a video where she appealed for any information regarding her mother's whereabouts. "It is never too late to do the right thing," she stated, expressing her belief in the essential goodness inherent in every individual.
