Sheriff: Suspect’s Mask and Clothing in Nancy Guthrie Case Traced to Walmart
Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos has announced significant developments in the investigation of missing person Nancy Guthrie. The authorities believe that the suspect captured in recent surveillance footage is linked to a purchase made at Walmart.
Key Findings from the Investigation
According to Sheriff Nanos, investigators are focusing on clothing and a face mask associated with the suspect in the doorbell video released last week. These items appear to have been purchased at Walmart, and the investigation is ongoing to confirm the brands.
- The suspect’s backpack, a black Ozark Trail Hiker Pack, has been identified as a product exclusive to Walmart.
- Walmart has been cooperative, providing records of online and in-store Ozark Trail purchases spanning several months.
- There is uncertainty regarding whether the purchases were made locally, online, or from other locations.
Details on Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
Nancy Guthrie, 84, has been missing since February 1. Authorities suspect she was abducted from her Tucson home during the night. The FBI is treating the initial findings related to the suspect’s backpack as one of the most promising leads in the case.
Despite intensive efforts, the identity of the suspect remains unknown, but the FBI has characterized him as an average built male, approximately 5 feet, 9 inches to 5 feet, 10 inches tall. The investigation has also included DNA evidence collected from a black glove found near Guthrie’s residence, which may match the suspect seen in the surveillance video.
DNA Testing and Ongoing Efforts
Authorities have conducted DNA tests on the glove, and preliminary results were received by the FBI over the weekend. Once confirmed, the DNA profile will be entered into CODIS, the national fingerprint and DNA database for law enforcement. Moreover, the investigation continues to gather additional DNA evidence from Guthrie’s property.
- Investigators executed a search at a nearby residence, less than two miles from Guthrie’s last known location.
- The search was prompted by a lead that resulted in a search warrant, but no arrests were made.
Community Response
As the investigation unfolds, Savannah Guthrie, co-host of the “Today” show and daughter of Nancy Guthrie, shared an emotional video on Instagram. In it, she highlighted the family’s hopes for her mother’s safe return and urged anyone with information to come forward. “It is never too late to do the right thing,” she implored.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office, alongside the FBI and other law enforcement agencies, is committed to pursuing all leads related to Nancy Guthrie’s case. Authorities remain hopeful that forthcoming evidence will shed more light on her whereabouts.
