Law enforcement activity near Nancy Guthrie’s home as probe into disappearance intensifies
Investigators escalated activity in the Tucson area Friday as the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie continues. Officials have collected DNA from someone other than Guthrie at her property, detained a person in connection with the inquiry and continued to press the public for surveillance footage and tips.
Police presence near a residence two miles from Guthrie’s home
Late Friday local time, law enforcement agencies were working at a residence roughly two miles from Guthrie’s home in the Shadow Hills neighborhood. Deputies opened the area around an intersection while investigators carried out operations tied to the ongoing missing-person inquiry. A department spokesperson said no media briefing would be held that night but indicated a written statement was forthcoming.
New forensic leads include DNA and recovered items
Investigators say DNA belonging to someone other than Guthrie or those in close contact with her was collected from the property. Authorities are working to identify who that DNA belongs to. Gloves recovered during the probe have been sent for analysis, and investigators have obtained cheek swabs from several individuals they have interviewed as part of the inquiry.
Suspect description and public appeal for footage
Video evidence gathered from cameras at and near Guthrie’s home produced a suspect description investigators are actively circulating. The individual is described as a man about 5'9" to 5'10", of average build, carrying a black, 24-liter hiker pack. Officials urged residents in the vicinity to review and share any surveillance footage or dashcam recordings from the weeks leading up to the disappearance to help identify the person captured on video.
Detention and legal actions; arraignment scheduled
A person has been detained in connection with the investigation, though officials have not released details about the individual or whether formal charges are pending. Separately, a man charged with allegedly sending a hoax ransom note to Guthrie’s family is due in court. That arraignment is scheduled for 6: 00 p. m. ET Friday, reflecting the conversion from local Arizona time.
Tips, rewards and ongoing searches
Investigators reported receiving tens of thousands of tips since the case went public. The reward for information leading to progress in the case has climbed to six figures. Law enforcement teams have conducted searches at multiple locations, including stops near the U. S. -Mexico border; one man briefly detained during those operations was released after questioning. Officials emphasize they have not identified any confirmed suspects and continue to treat the situation as an active criminal investigation.
Family pleas and community response
Guthrie’s family has repeatedly appealed to the public for help and prayers. In multiple social media posts, family members pleaded for the return of their loved one and asked anyone with information to come forward. Neighbors and visitors have left flowers and created a makeshift memorial near the house, reflecting a community shaken by the disappearance.
Investigators continue to analyze collected evidence and follow up on leads. Authorities reiterated that anyone with information about the man seen on video, or with footage from the area during the relevant period, should provide it to investigators to aid the ongoing effort to bring clarity to Guthrie’s disappearance.
