Authorities are investigating the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of “Today” display co-host Savannah Guthrie, who was forcibly taken from her Tucson home nearly two weeks ago. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos defended his decision to send evidence in the case to a lab in Florida for DNA testing, rather than the FBI’s lab in Quantico, Virginia.
Sheriff Explains Evidence Handling
Sheriff Nanos explained to CBS News Friday that his agency has routinely used the Florida lab for years and prefers to consolidate evidence analysis in one location. “It adds a step that’s not needed,” Nanos said, adding that there was no indication one lab was superior to the other. The Florida lab is currently analyzing samples from the Guthrie family and individuals who have worked at her home.
Although DNA results have been received, investigators have not yet identified a suspect. “Boy, I wish it did. Not yet,” Nanos said Friday. DNA not belonging to Nancy Guthrie or those close to her was recovered from the property, and authorities are working to identify its source.
FBI Investigation and Public Appeal
The FBI released a description of a potential suspect on Thursday: a male approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall with an average build, wearing a ski mask, gloves, and a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack. The backpack is sold exclusively at Walmart, and law enforcement reviewed footage at a Tucson location.
Investigators have asked residents within a two-mile radius of Guthrie’s home to provide any relevant video footage from Modern Year’s Day to February 2nd. Several gloves have been found during the investigation, with one recovered approximately two miles from Guthrie’s home currently undergoing DNA testing.
Sheriff Nanos stated there has been no sign of death, but also expressed confidence in finding the suspect, saying, “I think the suspect should be afraid every night. We’re going to find you.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the status of the DNA testing?
DNA testing is underway, but has not yet led to the identification of a suspect. Investigators are analyzing DNA found at the scene that does not belong to Nancy Guthrie or her close contacts.
What is the significance of the backpack seen in the security footage?
The FBI has identified the backpack as a black, 25-liter Ozark Trail Hiker Pack, sold exclusively at Walmart. Law enforcement is reviewing footage from a Tucson Walmart location in connection with the investigation.
Has there been any communication from the suspect?
Authorities have not received any proof of life or communication from the suspect, but have also reported no sign of death.
As the investigation continues, what role might community surveillance footage play in identifying those involved in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance?
