Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie Case Offers Hope That Case Will be Solved Soon
It has been months since the 84-year-old mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie went missing in the middle of the night, sparking a nationwide search and lingering questions. Investigators are now offering hope that they might be getting closer to cracking the case. Here is the latest on what is happening in Tucson, Arizona.
Sheriff Leading Guthrie Case Says Investigators Are Getting Closer
Nancy Guthrie has not been seen since January 31. Law enforcement officials believe that she was taken from her Arizona home in the early morning hours of February 1. Home surveillance cameras showed a masked man trying to enter the front door at about the time of the disappearance, suggesting that she was taken against her will. The man, described as medium build, was carrying a holstered pistol in the surveillance footage.
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos recently told a reporter that his agency is getting closer to solving the crime. A FOX News reporter asked Nanos on Friday, May 8, if the sheriff's department was getting closer, and he responded, "We are." While he did not reveal details about the case, many people are taking his response to mean that progress is being made as the investigation approaches the 100-day mark.
The comment from Nanos came as the department has largely been tight-lipped about the investigation. When speaking to NBC News in March, Nanos said, “We believe we know why [the kidnapper] did this and we believe that it was targeted, but we're not 100% sure of that. So it'd be silly to tell people, ‘Don't worry about it. You're not his target.' You could be. Don't think for a minute that because it happened to the Guthrie family, you're safe. No. Keep your wits about you.”
Could DNA Samples Crack the Case?
Authorities found blood outside of Guthrie's home early in the investigation. The blood was later identified as Guthrie's. More recently, a private forensic lab in Florida sent a hair sample found at the scene to the FBI for more advanced analysis. This hair sample could be used for forensic genetic genealogy if it does not match up to any person who was known to have been inside the home. The hope is that the information could point toward a suspect.
Family members and outside workers who had a reason to be inside Guthrie's home have already provided voluntary DNA samples. This means that a hair sample that does not match any of this DNA would likely suggest an outside suspect.
In an interview with a local media outlet this week, Nanos said that the sheriff's office will continue to work with labs on both the digital and biological ends. He also reiterated in this interview that he is confident that investigators are closing in on a suspect. Nanos confirmed that investigators are hopeful that the DNA results will connect to other pieces of evidence that have been withheld from the public in an effort to protect the integrity of the investigation.
Nanos has vowed not to give up in the search just because it is nearing the 100-day mark.
Savannah Guthrie flew to Tucson shortly after her mother was reported missing, remaining there for weeks and canceling her trip to cover the Winter Olympics in Italy. She returned to work in New York City on April 6 after a two-month absence. On May 10, she posted an emotional message to commemorate Mother's Day, telling her Mom, “We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you.”
The FBI has been extensively involved in the investigation. The agency has offered a $100,000 reward for any information that leads to either Guthrie's discovery or the arrest. In addition, the Guthrie family is offering $1 million for the same information. The family also donated $500,000 to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
Anyone with information pertaining to the case can contact Tucson's 88-Crime tip line at 520-882-7463 if they wish to remain anonymous. Additionally, anyone with information can call 1-800-CALL-FBI.
Curious for more stories that keep you informed and entertained? From the latest headlines to everyday insights, YourLifeBuzz has more to explore. Dive into what’s next.