Nancy Guthrie case: investigators seal off road, probe unknown DNA as search continues

A widening investigation into the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, an 84-year-old Arizona resident, took a new turn late Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, when law enforcement activity intensified near her home and officials signaled the case may hinge on forensic evidence that is still being processed. The developments come nearly two weeks after she was reported missing, with authorities continuing to treat the effort as a rescue mission.

What investigators did Friday night

Late Friday, multiple law enforcement vehicles and forensic teams were seen operating near Guthrie’s residence in the Catalina Foothills area north of Tucson. A road close to the neighborhood was temporarily closed as investigators moved through the area, suggesting a focused follow-up tied to recent tips and evidence review.

A vehicle was also towed from a nearby parking lot as part of the ongoing work. Officials have not publicly confirmed why it was removed or whether it is directly connected to Guthrie’s disappearance.

Timeline: from last sighting to a major search

Guthrie was last known to be at home on the evening of Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, and she was reported missing Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, after she did not appear as expected the next morning. Investigators have said early evidence did not support the idea that she simply walked away on her own.

The case has drawn national attention in part because Guthrie is the mother of a prominent morning television anchor. That visibility has helped generate an unusually large volume of public tips and video submissions, which investigators have been sorting and verifying.

Evidence at the home and why DNA matters

Authorities have described troubling indicators at the property, including blood found at or near the front porch that was linked to Guthrie. Investigators have also pointed to forensic findings that include DNA not yet matched to anyone publicly identified in the case. Officials have said that at least some of the unknown DNA does not appear to belong to anyone close to her, increasing focus on whether an outsider entered the home.

Forensic processing can be slow, especially when analysts must compare partial profiles, test multiple items, or re-test samples for confirmation. Investigators have cautioned that major cases can remain active for months—or longer—while labs complete work and detectives run down leads.

Surveillance footage and the suspect description

One of the most discussed pieces of evidence is surveillance video from the night Guthrie disappeared that shows a masked person at or near the residence. Investigators have described the individual as armed and have said the footage prompted a surge of tips.

Authorities have also released descriptive details to help the public identify someone seen near the scene. Among the details circulated: an adult male of average height and build and a distinctive dark backpack. Officials have urged nearby residents and businesses to share any additional camera footage from the surrounding area, particularly from the overnight hours spanning late Jan. 31 into early Feb. 1.

Where the case stands now

Investigators have not announced a confirmed suspect or publicly outlined a clear motive. They have acknowledged detentions connected to investigative activity, but it remains unclear whether any detained individuals are considered suspects or were simply held temporarily during enforcement actions.

A reward has been increased to $100,000 for information that leads to locating Guthrie, reflecting both the seriousness of the case and the desire to generate fresh leads as time passes.

Key developments so far

• Guthrie reported missing Feb. 1, 2026, after last being known to be home Jan. 31, 2026

• Blood evidence at the residence linked to Guthrie

• Surveillance video shows a masked individual near the home overnight

• Forensic work includes analysis of unknown DNA

• Intensified activity and road closure near the home on Feb. 13, 2026

• Reward increased to $100,000 for information leading to her location

What to watch next

The next signals in the case will likely come from three areas: (1) forensic results that clarify who entered the home and when, (2) any confirmed link between towed property or vehicles and the neighborhood timeline, and (3) whether investigators shift from broad tip intake to targeted public requests—such as asking for sightings of a specific vehicle, clothing, or route.

Officials continue to emphasize urgency because Guthrie has medical needs that may require daily care. As of Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026 (ET), the central question remains unchanged: where she was taken and whether someone comes forward with the missing piece of information that leads searchers to her quickly.