Nancy Guthrie Search Enters 13th Day with Critical Evidence Updates
The intensive search for Nancy Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of 'Today Show' cohost Savannah Guthrie, has now reached its thirteenth day with significant developments in the evidence collection. Pima County Sheriff's Department officials have provided crucial updates regarding gloves and unidentified DNA discovered in the vicinity of her Tucson, Arizona residence.
Key Evidence Clarification on Glove Locations
Authorities have corrected initial media reports concerning the location of gloves found during the investigation. In an official press release shared by outlets including MS NOW and E! News, the sheriff's department stated: "Several gloves have been located during the investigation. The closest gloves were found approximately two miles from the home." The release explicitly noted: "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 were discovered on Nancy Guthrie's property itself.
Investigators have expanded the search radius to ten miles around the home. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos revealed to ABC News on February 13 that DNA evidence has been recovered from the gloves and other items. "We've gotten DNA back," Sheriff Nanos confirmed. "They already have the genetic markers of those we think had access to the home." Samples from family members and household staff are being used to eliminate potential matches. "Now we have to go through and try to eliminate people," the sheriff added, expressing cautious optimism: "We are getting closer."
Unidentified DNA Discovered Inside the Residence
Separate from the glove evidence, authorities have collected unidentified DNA from inside Nancy Guthrie's home. The press release noted: "DNA other than Nancy Guthrie's and those in close contact to her has been collected from the property. Investigators are working to identify who it belongs to." Officials declined to specify the exact location where this DNA was found, citing investigative sensitivity. Sheriff Nanos confirmed that the FBI is collaborating on the analysis of this genetic evidence.
Investigation Progress and Person of Interest
A black glove discovered approximately 1.5 miles from the residence resembles the one worn by the suspect captured on doorbell footage. The individual was seen carrying a Walmart backpack and brandishing a weapon. Former FBI official Michael Harrigan explained to the New York Post that such an item could yield skin cell DNA if worn directly against the skin. "The key question is whether this glove is a nitrile glove worn over another glove or if it was directly against the skin," Harrigan detailed. Authorities are tracing the point of sale for the backpack, though Walmart has not commented publicly.
A person of interest, delivery driver Carlos Palazuelos from Rio Rico, was detained on February 10 but released hours later after denying any involvement. Tensions have reportedly emerged in the investigation, with Reuters indicating that Sheriff Nanos has limited FBI access to certain evidence. Savannah Guthrie has maintained privacy throughout the ordeal but has expressed gratitude to supporters. The family continues to hold hope as exhaustive efforts continue in this high-profile missing persons case.
