The Pima County Sheriff’s Department announced Tuesday that DNA recovered from a glove near the disappearance site of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie did not match any profiles in the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s national DNA database. Sheriff Chris Nanos said the unknown male DNA profile was entered into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), which compares evidence against profiles of convicted offenders and other qualifying samples. The search returned no hits. While this development removes one potential path toward immediate identification, authorities stressed it does not eliminate the possibility of identifying a suspect through other investigative methods. Additional DNA evidence collected from Guthrie’s residence is still undergoing forensic testing.
During a public briefing, Nanos clarified that the glove containing the submitted DNA had been found approximately two miles from Guthrie’s home in the Catalina Foothills. He noted that the DNA from the glove did not match genetic material recovered at the residence. Investigators believe the glove resembles those worn by a masked individual captured on surveillance footage near the home the night Guthrie vanished. Authorities continue to treat the case as an active, multi-agency criminal investigation, carefully processing physical evidence and pursuing leads despite the lack of arrests so far.
Nancy Guthrie, identified by officials as the mother of Savannah Guthrie, co-host of NBC’s Today, was reported missing after being dropped off at her residence by a family member. Law enforcement has indicated there were signs of forced entry and blood evidence inside the home, leading investigators to suspect a possible abduction. Sheriff’s officials have publicly ruled out immediate family members as suspects. The FBI’s involvement has expanded forensic and analytical resources available to the case. Nanos emphasized that although the CODIS search did not yield a match, it represents only one component of a broader investigative effort.
A key focus has become the clothing and gear worn by the masked suspect seen in doorbell camera footage. According to authorities, items in the video appear to include a black Ozark Trail Hiker backpack sold exclusively by Walmart. Detectives are working to determine whether the backpack and other visible clothing were purchased online or at a physical store. Investigators have reviewed surveillance footage from Walmart locations in Tucson and nearby communities and have obtained transaction records for recent purchases of the backpack model. The retailer has declined public comment on the ongoing investigation.
Federal authorities have also examined the suspect’s face covering, which appeared lighter in doorbell footage but is believed to be black due to infrared distortion from a Nest security camera. The FBI has released still images of the individual, describing him as a male of average build, approximately 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall. A black glove recovered near the residence is considered consistent with those worn by the suspect. Although the DNA from that glove did not produce a database match, forensic specialists continue analyzing fibers, trace materials, and other evidence that may help identify its source.
Despite the setback in CODIS, Sheriff Nanos expressed cautious optimism. The absence of a match may simply indicate that the individual’s DNA has never been entered into the system. Authorities noted that advances in forensic science and continued investigative work could still generate breakthroughs. Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to provide any relevant information as they continue reviewing tips, surveillance footage, and laboratory findings. The case has drawn widespread national attention due to both the troubling circumstances and Guthrie’s family connection, and officials say they remain committed to pursuing every available lead in the search for answers.
