FBI: DNA from glove may link unknown male to Nancy Guthrie disappearance
The search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie entered its third week with a key forensic development: DNA recovered from a glove found near her Tucson home matches the type of glove seen on a masked subject captured on surveillance video the morning she vanished. Investigators say the profile belongs to an unknown male and are awaiting national database entry that could yield a match.
Forensic lead could be entered into national database soon
Federal investigators announced that DNA extracted from a glove recovered roughly two miles from the Guthrie residence carries the profile of an unknown male. The glove reportedly appears to match the pair worn by a masked individual seen tampering with a doorbell camera outside the home in the early morning hours of Feb. 1, 2026 (ET), the time frame when Nancy Guthrie was last seen.
The physical evidence was sent from Tucson on Feb. 12, 2026 (ET) to a private laboratory for quality control testing before being entered into the FBI’s Combined DNA Index System. Officials say that once the quality control process is complete the profile will be submitted to CODIS, possibly resulting in a database hit. Investigators warned that laboratory procedures can take time, but emphasized that this is a significant step toward identifying the person who approached the home that night.
Authorities have not named any suspects. The person in surveillance footage is described as a male between 5'9" and 5'10" with an average build, wearing a mask and gloves and carrying a 25-liter hiking-style backpack. Investigators previously released images of the individual and have urged anyone with information to come forward; the reward for information leading to Guthrie’s location or the arrest and conviction of anyone involved has been increased to $100, 000.
Investigation intensifies as tips pour in and family cleared
Sheriff Chris Nanos said the investigation has generated a large volume of public response, with law enforcement teams processing tens of thousands of leads. He stated that officials have received between 40, 000 and 50, 000 tips in the case, and that several hundred law enforcement personnel remain engaged in follow-up work. More operations around the Tucson area are expected in the coming days as investigators pursue new lines of inquiry.
The Pima County Sheriff’s Office issued a public statement clearing the Guthrie family — including all siblings and their spouses — as possible suspects. The office described the family as cooperative and referred to them as victims in need of protection from unfounded public speculation. Investigators said they have used conventional investigative tools — including alibis, cell phone data, travel and financial records, and digital forensics — to account for family members’ movements and involvement.
Family members, including Savannah Guthrie, have made public appeals and posted messages of hope as the search continues. Community vigils and tributes have appeared near the household, reflecting local concern while law enforcement urges restraint and reliance on verified information.
Where the case stands now
With a DNA profile now tied to physical evidence found near the scene, investigators hope the CODIS submission will either identify the unknown male or narrow investigative leads. Officials have not ruled out the possibility that more than one person could be involved, and they continue to treat the case as an active abduction investigation after investigators found evidence of injury at the residence.
Authorities emphasize that while the forensic development is promising, months of follow-up work can follow a single laboratory result. For now, the overall effort remains focused on locating Nancy Guthrie, pursuing every credible tip, and building a case that can withstand scrutiny in court. Anyone with information related to the events of Feb. 1, 2026 (ET) is being urged to contact law enforcement immediately.
