FBI Confirms DNA Recovery in Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Case
Authorities have obtained a DNA sample from a glove found near the home of Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of television presenter Savannah Guthrie, in Arizona. The glove appears to match one worn by an intruder seen in security camera footage attempting to disable the doorbell camera at Guthrie’s residence, the FBI confirmed on Sunday.
Preliminary results from a private forensic laboratory in Florida were received by the FBI on Saturday and were awaiting “quality control and official confirmation” before being compared to known DNA profiles in the national database, according to a statement from the federal agency.
The DNA analysis process through CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) typically takes 24 hours once the FBI receives the sample.
Key Evidence Recovered Near Tucson Home
The glove is one of 16 recovered by investigators in recent days from a vacant lot approximately three kilometers from Nancy Guthrie’s home in the Tucson area. Investigators believe the majority of the gloves recovered may have been left by individuals involved in the search for Nancy Guthrie.
Yet, the glove with the recovered DNA is considered significant as it “differs and appears to match the gloves” worn by the man seen on camera, who was concealing his face with a ski mask, on February 1st.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos stated on Friday he believes the individual in the video, also seen with a gun in a holster and a backpack, is the primary suspect in the high-profile case.
Third Week of Intensive Search
Nancy Guthrie was last seen on January 31st when her family left her at home after dinner. Her disappearance was reported to authorities the following day when she did not attend Sunday mass.
Sheriff Nanos noted that Guthrie has “extremely limited” physical mobility and could not have left her home without assistance, leading investigators to believe she was taken against her will.
At least two alleged ransom notes have surfaced since her disappearance, initially delivered to media outlets like TMZ. However, no proof of life has been provided by the kidnappers. “There is also no evidence of death,” Sheriff Nanos stated.
DNA testing confirmed that blood found on the porch of Guthrie’s home belonged to her. Authorities and family members have described her as being in “fragile health” and requiring “daily medication” to survive, increasing the urgency of the case.
DNA from individuals other than Guthrie was also collected as evidence at her home, but no official results from those samples have been released.
With a search warrant related to the Guthrie case, sheriff’s and FBI agents searched another residence less than three kilometers from her home on Friday night. An individual was also questioned during a traffic stop that evening, but no arrests were made.
Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC News’ Today present, has released multiple video messages with her siblings, Camron and Annie, pleading for her mother’s return and appealing to the public for help, offering a reward of $100,000 for information leading to Nancy’s whereabouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is CODIS? CODIS stands for Combined DNA Index System, a national DNA database used by law enforcement to identify individuals.
- Has a ransom been paid? No ransom has been paid, and no proof of life has been provided.
- What is the current status of the investigation? The FBI is awaiting official confirmation of the DNA analysis and continues to investigate leads.
Pro Tip: If you have any information regarding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, please contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI immediately.
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