Kamal Ghorui
The search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of ‘Today Show’ cohost Savannah Guthrie, marked its 13th day with promising evidence updates. Pima County Sheriff’s Department officials revealed details on gloves and unidentified DNA found near her Tucson, Arizona home. Nancy Guthrie vanished on February 1 after a masked intruder tampered with her surveillance camera.
Key evidence clarified
Authorities corrected early reports about glove locations. “Several gloves have been located during the investigation. The closest gloves were found approximately two miles from the home,” stated the sheriff’s press release, as shared by MS NOW and E! News. “Reports that a glove was found inside the residence or on the property are inaccurate. All collected evidence has been submitted for laboratory analysis.” No gloves appeared on Nancy Guthrie’s property itself.Investigators expanded the search radius to 10 miles. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos told ABC News on February 13 that DNA was recovered from the gloves and other items. “We’ve gotten DNA back,” Sheriff Chris Nanos said. “They already have the genetic markers of those that we think had access to the home.” Samples from family members and household help aid elimination. “Now we have to go through and try to eliminate people,” Sheriff Chris Nanos added. He expressed optimism: “We are getting closer.”
DNA from the home
Separate from the gloves, unidentified DNA emerged inside Nancy Guthrie’s residence. “DNA other than Nancy Guthrie’s and those in close contact to her has been collected from the property,” the press release noted. “Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to. We are not disclosing where that DNA was located.” Sheriff Chris Nanos confirmed collaboration with the FBI for analysis.
Investigation progress
A black glove found 1.5 miles away resembles the one worn by the suspect, who carried a Walmart backpack and brandished a weapon on doorbell footage. Former FBI official Michael Harrigan told the New York Post the item could yield skin cell DNA if worn directly. “The key question is whether this glove is a nitrile glove worn over another glove or if it was directly against the skin,” Michael Harrigan explained. Authorities trace the backpack’s point of sale, though Walmart stayed silent.A person of interest, delivery driver Carlos Palazuelos from Rio Rico, was detained February 10 but released hours later. He denied involvement. Tensions arose as Sheriff Chris Nanos reportedly limited FBI access to some evidence, per Reuters.Savannah Guthrie has stayed private but thanked supporters. The family holds hope amid exhaustive efforts in this high-profile case.
